"My story began with loss, but through God's grace, it has become a story of hope."
— John Mukono, Founder, Nissi Project UgandaMy name is John Mukono, and my journey is a testimony of God's grace, faithfulness, and transforming power. I became an orphan at the age of five (5) following the death of my father, the late Stephen Wambuzi. I was the firstborn of three (3) children, and after my father's passing our family faced tremendous hardship.
Our mother suffered mistreatment from our paternal relatives and eventually left us, leaving us even more vulnerable. As the eldest child, I struggled to provide for my younger siblings by working in other people's gardens and homes. We often went without food, proper shelter, clothing, medical care, and education.
Eventually, I left home and found myself living on the streets — exposed to dangerous environments and people involved in harmful activities. My childhood was filled with uncertainty, loneliness, and challenges that no child should have to endure.
In the midst of my struggles, God brought a remarkable woman into my life: Monica Nairuba, a woman who became a true blessing to me.
She took me in, cared for me, and introduced me to the Word of God. Through her love and support, I encountered the transforming power of Jesus Christ. My life began to change, and I became a new person in Christ. She provided me with an education, stood by me through difficult circumstances, and helped me discover that my past did not have to determine my future.
"Her compassion gave me more than a second chance; it gave me hope, dignity, and a renewed purpose."
In 2016, Jinja, Uganda, I took a step of faith and began caring for 15 vulnerable children in a small rented house.
With limited resources, we began providing children with care, food, education, and the hope found in Christ. This humble beginning marked the birth of Nissi Project Uganda — a Christian ministry committed to caring for orphans and vulnerable children, supporting struggling families, and extending compassion to those in need.
What began with 15 children has grown into a ministry dedicated to restoring hope and transforming lives through the love of Jesus Christ. Every child we serve reminds me of the child I once was, and strengthens my determination to ensure that other children have opportunities for a brighter future.
"Having experienced orphanhood, rejection, homelessness, and hardship myself, I understand how deeply a child can be affected when they lack love, protection, and opportunity. I also know what it means for someone to step forward and change the direction of a child's life."— John Mukono, Founder
My prayer is that every child who comes into our care will experience the love of Christ, discover their God-given potential, and grow up with hope for the future. A child's circumstances today should never determine their possibilities tomorrow.
I warmly invite individuals, churches, organisations, and well-wishers to join us on this journey. Together, we can reach more vulnerable children, strengthen families, and build a future in which more children live with dignity, faith, and hope.
Nissi Project was founded with love, and faith, providing care for vulnerable children. Our mission is simple, to restore hope and empower each child to reach their full potential.
"We are a Christ-centered registered non-profit organization dedicated to transforming and restoring hope for orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda. Nissi Project Uganda provides a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment, education, and holistic support to children who have been orphaned, abandoned, or otherwise marginalized."
We believe every child deserves love, dignity, education, and opportunity to reach their full potential. With faith, compassion, love, and care, we give every child a chance to heal, dream again, and build a brighter future.
Our name, "NISSI" (meaning The Lord is my Banner), reflects our commitment to raising a standard of hope and transformation for children in need. Many arrive without families or basic necessities. Our mission is to give each child a safe home where necessary, quality education, proper healthcare, and emotional support – so they can thrive, flourish, and one day impact their own communities.
Serving Orphans & Vulnerable Children Since 2016 — Restoring Hope & Transforming Lives through the love of Jesus.
2016
In Mafubira, Jinja, John — once an orphan himself — felt God's call to reach children walking the same path. With faith and love, he began caring for 15 vulnerable children in a small rented house in the slums, offering them not just shelter, but the hope of Christ. From this humble beginning, Nissi Project Uganda was born.
2017
Nissi Project Uganda grew to 21 children. Two volunteers joined hands in the mission. We launched our first sponsorship and feeding programs while trusting God to provide — and He did. The ministry began to take shape as more children found a home, a meal, and a future filled with hope.
2018
Moved from Mafubira to Walukuba, Jinja where we rented a larger house. We grew to 50 children in the home, while 230 more in nearby communities received care through outreach. We also started training women to make handmade sanitary pads and crafts — each bead, stitch, and smile reflected God's faithfulness.
2019
God opened doors for a new chapter as we launched our kindergarten school in Walukuba, using temporary structures and some bedrooms as classrooms. The number of children in the home grew to 63, and 241 community children were enrolled, all receiving school supplies. The school became a beacon of hope.
2020–2021
Even in the midst of the global COVID-19 crisis and the strict lockdown of the country, we supported our cared families with food. We also transitioned from a community-based organization to a fully registered national non-government organization in Uganda. This milestone opened doors for greater impact and opportunities to serve more children and communities.
2022
COVID-19 continued to impact us. We lost some sponsors, and our school had to close temporarily due to limited funding. Yet God guided us to move to a more affordable house, ensuring our children still had a safe and loving home. The season was hard — but His faithfulness never wavered.
2023
God led us to a new house and location, where it became clear He had prepared this place for us. There, we welcomed more needy children into our care and launched a feeding program, reaching even more children with meals, love, and hope — serving more than 500 meals.
2024
God brought moments of pure joy to our children. During the Christmas season, they experienced playing on a bouncing castle for the very first time. We also purchased new banco beds, new mattresses, bedsheets, and mosquito nets — small comforts that whispered loudly of a Father who sees, knows, and provides.
Christ-centred care that restores hope, builds futures, and strengthens communities.
To reach out to destitute and vulnerable children in both urban and rural communities, restoring hope for orphans, and providing holistic care — physical, emotional, spiritual, and educational support — for children and their communities.
To support orphans, vulnerable children, widows, and poor households in building a better future through access to education, healthcare, spiritual guidance, and psycho-social support.
The convictions that guide every decision, every shilling, and every hug.
Every child deserves to be seen, cared for, and loved.
Guided by faith, we believe in the power of faith and hope to heal and transform lives.
We serve with honesty, transparency, and accountability in everything we do.
We honour the value of every child and family we serve.
We don't just give hope — we equip children and communities to thrive independently.
We work hand in hand with supporters, families, and local communities to create lasting impact and sustainable change.
Where possible, reuniting children with families or extended relatives, and strengthening communities to support vulnerable children.
Every life touched by Nissi Project Uganda tells a story of hope renewed and purpose restored. Through faith-driven care, education, and community support, we are building brighter futures.
Many children come to us after losing their families or being left without anyone to care for them. At Nissi Project, we open our doors and our hearts to give them a home filled with warmth, love, and dignity.
"Here, I feel safe. I sleep knowing someone cares about me."
— Patrick says
Education that opens doors
Growing in Christ together
Childhood restored, hope renewed
Across Uganda, thousands of children have been orphaned, abandoned, or otherwise marginalized — left without families, basic necessities, or anyone to see them. Behind every statistic is a child who needs a home, a meal, a classroom, and a reason to hope again.
From our home base in northern Uganda, Nissi Project reaches vulnerable children across eight districts.
Interactive map coming soon
Home base & children's home
Family support programs
Education outreach
Guardian empowerment
What began with one family has grown every single year — by the grace of God and the generosity of people like you.
"Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner."— Exodus 17:15
This is the banner we raise over every child at Nissi — a standard of hope, protection, and transformation in Jesus' name.
Every child's story can change — and yours can be the reason why.
For $55 a month, give a child education, meals, healthcare, and love — and build a relationship that lasts.
Sponsor NowOne-time gifts provide food, beds, uniforms, and medical care for children who need it most — right now.
DonateChurches, businesses, and organizations can help us reach more children across Uganda's eight districts.
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