25 years of bringing help to grateful people in need

25 years of bringing help to grateful people in need

16 July 2025

A TEAM of 20 volunteers from across the Newry, Mourne and Down will this week be travelling to Uganda, a landlocked country in East Africa.

Their focus during the 16-day trip will be on continuing skills-based teaching and promoting self-sustainability in Nakasongola, a community that has seen remarkable growth through a 25-year partnership between the Down Battalion Boys’ Brigade, supporters from Northern Ireland, and the people of Uganda.

What began in 2000 with faith, hope and a vision, has touched countless lives, empowering a generation and transforming a remote community into a vibrant hub of opportunity. 

The village at the heart of this journey is Kawondwe, located around five hours north of Entebbe Airport.

The remarkable journey began in April 2000 when a team arrived in the remote region, sleeping in two converted lorry containers. 

At the time, 97 school children gathered under a tree for their lessons, with the Battalion team spending three weeks constructing two school buildings with three classrooms each.

The Kawondwe Primary School was born – affectionately known as the ‘BB School’ – just a few metres from that very tree. 

The school has gone on to provide thousands of children with a safe and nurturing environment to learn and grow, laying the foundation for decades of development to follow.

Real transformation often depends on local leadership.

That leadership came in 2003 the form of Madam Annet Kiisa, the newly appointed head teacher and over the past 22 years she has been at the heart of every major development.

Humble, dependable, and deeply committed, she has been a trusted partner in every project, representing the community with integrity and passion.

There was another milestone in 2007 with the arrival of clean water.

A doctor from the original 2000 team had treated every child at the school for dysentery due to a contaminated water source – a muddy shuck shared with animals. 

In response, a borehole was installed near the school, delivering clean, safe water to both pupils and the wider community. Two years later, the same doctor returned expecting more dysentery cases, but found none. 

Access to clean water had dramatically improved health and hygiene.

In 2009, Roger Annett, originally from Kilkeel and part of the 2000 team, was so moved by his experience in Uganda that he relocated and established The New Beginnings Orphanage. It became a loving home and sanctuary for hundreds of vulnerable children, offering hope and family in the most tangible way.

A year later, education provision expanded with support for students beyond primary school age with the construction of Bethel Royal High School, enabling older children to stay in the area to complete their education. 

Today, the school is attended by over 600 pupils.

In 2011, a grain mill was built to help local farmers process crops and add value to their produce. The school also began growing and milling its own maize for school meals, promoting self-sufficiency.

A year later, a building originally intended as a grain store was re-purposed by Madam Annet into Bethel Church and quickly became a central place of worship and fellowship, deepening the spiritual life of the community and further connecting local people and mission teams.

In 2013, the Derryboy Guesthouse was constructed to provide comfortable accommodation for visiting teams. A computer suite was also introduced, giving students access to digital learning and helping them develop essential ICT skills.

And 2014 marked a series of major developments.

The Succoth Livestock Farm and a dam were launched by Gary Spence from Kilkeel to support sustainable farming, while Inspired Hope Uganda was set up, which brings hope to poor and vulnerable families by providing basic needs, housing and child sponsorship.

The Rapha Medical Centre opened, offering critical healthcare to the community and local schools and work on a new grain store was completed, while two large mission teams also delivered Bible Clubs, taught practical skills at the high school and orphanage, distributed clothes, funded house construction and launched animal projects. Girls were taught to make reusable sanitary products.

In 2015, some 95 acres of land were purchased to form Rapha Farm, with a dam for irrigation built, with the farm now supporting medical supplies and salaries through animal projects. In addition, a female vocational college was also opened, teaching young women sewing, knitting and crocheting – skills passed down by visiting teams.

One year later, Kisakye Ministries was founded by Chris and Hannah Brown from Newcastle, with land purchased to develop a village for poverty stricken families from the displaced Munami Camp. A borehole was installed to support the new families, with the New Beginnings Nursery and Primary School and Inspired Hope Church opening to meet growing educational and spiritual needs.

In 2017, two solar-powered water systems were installed, providing the first ever running water in the area, with taps plumbed into the medical centre. Inspired Hope Nursery School and teacher accommodation were also completed.

It was a particularly busy year in 2018. A male vocational college was established, focusing on carpentry, tailoring, and mechanical skills, while the Kawondwe Primary and the Rapha Health Centre were painted.

Running water was installed in the health centre via new sinks, while the Primary School received a new water tank and generator. New uniforms, school supplies and dental equipment was also provided. 

And the Inspired Hope Nursery School expanded with new classes and teacher accommodation, improving the stability and quality of education.

Mission teams ran Bible Clubs, taught practical and pastoral lessons and carried out outreach to families and the Munami Camp for displaced people. Prison ministry continued with devotionals, football and crafts. 

A new headmaster was also appointed at Kawondwe Primary School.

In 2019, the focus was on maintaining and strengthening existing projects, preparing for further development in education, health and infrastructure.

And while the Covid pandemic prevented teams from travelling to Uganda during this period, support continued in other ways. Financial aid was provided during seasons of crop failure and funding helped cover the ongoing running costs of the medical centre.

In 2023, boarding accommodation was completed at Kawondwe Primary, addressing the need for a safe, well-lit space where children could study after dark.

Last year and during 2025, new latrines were constructed to improve sanitation at the Primary School, with construction also beginning on a dedicated Special Needs Community Centre, addressing a long-overlooked need.

Laura and Rebecca Glenny, long-time volunteers from Kilkeel, were moved by the neglect children with disabilities faced, often viewed by the community as a punishment for past wrongdoing. Determined to change this, they launched Hopeful Horizons, an initiative to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities. Now living in Uganda, they continue to impact hundreds of children and families.

The remarkable 25-year journey is a testament to what faith, partnership and perseverance can accomplish.

From a single tree classroom to a thriving centre of education, healthcare and hope, Kawondwe stands as a beacon of community transformation. The dedication of leaders like Madam Annet, the generosity of supporters, and the commitment of mission teams from Northern Ireland have made it all possible. 

Work continues on the Special Needs Centre, with future plans focusing on education, agriculture and community health. 

The vision remains steadfast: “By the grace of God to help Ugandans achieve self-sustainability, through the teaching and improvement of skills, promoting hard work and endeavour.”