By Joshua Niyonshima
The URA Commissioner General John Rujoki Musinguzi has once again demonstrated his commitment to social responsibility by spearheading a fundraiser aimed at supporting the education and well-being of over 400 girls at Grace Villa, a shelter for vulnerable girls located in Makanga Hills, Kabale Municipality.
This follows his involvement in similar causes, including the Nsambya Babies Home campaign and the Braille Bible fundraising.
The fundraiser organised at Protea Hotel in kololo sought to raise funds to cover school fees and provide additional support for the girls under Grace Villa’s care. The event, which attracted notable guests, was made even more special by a heartfelt performance from the children of Grace Villa.
The girls showcased their talents through songs and plays, including a particularly moving play about a stepmother who abandoned her husband’s children, only for them to find solace at Grace Villa. The highlight of the evening was the emotional performance of “Heal the World,” with the girls dancing and waving their hands, filling the room with warmth and hope.
The Chief Guest, Natasha Museveni Karugire, Uganda’s First Daughter, expressed her admiration for the work being done at Grace Villa.
“The song ‘Heal the World’ that they sang was beautiful and amazing. You are doing a greater service by touching lives, one at a time,” she said, urging more support for the organization.
Former Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, also praised Grace Villa’s efforts, emphasizing the immense value the organization adds to the lives of the girls.
“When we talk of value addition, people are thinking of machines and processing, but Ruth Ndyabahika has been adding value to people. If more of us could do that, our country would develop at a faster rate,” said Dr. Rugunda.
He also highlighted that the children at Grace Villa were excelling academically, performing better than their peers in Kabale due to the high-quality care, education, and nutrition they receive.
Dr. Rugunda, along with his friends, contributed Ugx 10 million towards the cause, inspiring others to contribute as well.
URA’s Ag. Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, reaffirmed URA’s commitment to giving back to the community.
“As URA, we are dedicated to being part of the community, whether through giving back or helping out. You can count on us,” Kalumba said.
Josephine Kabyesiza, the Stakeholder Relations Officer, stressed the importance of continued support for vulnerable children. “We must continue to support organizations like Grace Villa that are shaping the future of our children,” she said.
About Grace Villa
Grace Villa, founded and directed by Ruth Kendegye Ndyabahika, has been operational for 11 years, providing primary, secondary and tertiary education, vocational training, healthcare, and legal support.
Ruth Ndyabahika passionately emphasized that Grace Villa is dedicated to empowering the girl-child by providing a holistic approach to their development. “Every school bag holds a dream, every pencil writes a future,” she said, speaking of the importance of education and skills training in shaping the future of these girls.
One of the organization’s notable achievements is its focus on financial independence for the girls. Ruth shared that some of the girls have begun working to pay utility bills, and one of them had even purchased land for farming, further contributing to the sustainability of Grace Villa.
The event raised significant funds and awareness, ensuring that the girls at Grace Villa will continue to receive the care, education, and empowerment they need to achieve their dreams. The evening served as a reminder of the power of community support in shaping the future of Uganda’s most vulnerable children.
