25th Anniversary Heroes Celebration
Children of Uganda (COU) was born out of a pandemic – the global HIV/AIDS pandemic – 25 years ago this month.
An entire generation was killed due to the rapid spread of HIV, lack of proper education and treatment. Millions of children were orphaned as a result. And in June of 1995, our organization was formally founded in response to this crisis.
The heroine of our origin story is without a doubt Sister Rose Muyinza – a force of nature, a humanitarian of epic proportions and COU’s matriarch. This beautiful Ugandan woman started an orphan home during the regime of Idi Amin and went on to open two orphanages, a primary school and a home for HIV-infected mothers and babies. Sister Rose used the money she earned at a small restaurant she began in Kampala to support the children. There were many times she had to make a way for the kids when there was no way to be found.
Our Tour of Light dance troupe, for example, was born out of her innovation. When there was no money – she would assemble the children and they would go to events to dance and sing. They were so well received that a small dance troupe formed and money was raised to help support the orphanages. And the rest is – as they say – history.
When COVID-19 hit, we were blown away by our supporters who immediately sent relief to combat poverty in Uganda – despite their own economic uncertainty.
They rallied behind us to deliver life-sustaining food and essential items to our children and their families. Surviving a second pandemic has taken a great deal of resilience, flexibility and a healthy dose of moxie – and we simply wouldn’t be here today without heroes like you.
On June 9th, Uganda celebrates National Heroes Day. It was originally established to commemorate fallen soldiers in the Ugandan Bush War, but more recently citizens have argued for remembering less controversial heroes. Most notably, Dr. Matthew Lukwiya who was a leader in the fight against the deadly Ebola virus in 2000. Dr. Lukwiya saved many lives, but sadly lost his own to the virus.
And, in this spirit of honoring true exemplary men and women, Children of Uganda is launching A Celebration of Heroes campaign:
When some people think of heroes – they might picture a superhero like Wonder Woman, Batman or Superman. For me, I think of our beloved Sister Rose, as well as early board members, extraordinary volunteers and friends like you who have sacrificed so much to ensure a better life for our kids and their families.
We hope you will join in our celebration and we also invite you to share your personal heroes and sheroes with us on Facebook and Instagram. If you know a healthcare worker on the front lines of COVID-19, a champion of racial and social justice or any hero deserving of a shout-out – please do share.
