Who We Are
Our leadership team simply facilitates our mission. Nyayo is nothing without the efforts of the caregivers in Uganda and the generous donations of our sponsors. Scroll down to meet the many faces that make supporting Fort-Portal and Buwenge Jinja homes possible. We will continue to update profiles for our caregivers and donors as we go.
Founders of Ibonde & Jinja Children’s Homes
Atugonza Silas
Role: Pastor
Silas, Gordon’s dad, has had a heart to serve orphans for many years. He is a man of strong faith and has been a spiritual mentor to the kids of Ibonde and Jinja throughout the years, sharing the gospel. Silas also oversees various churches and provides spiritual leadership to the community as well.
“I have always asked God to fill my desire to have a big family and as a result of my prayers, he brought orphans and less advantaged children to my home so that I could serve and love on them. I serve children, youth and my community because that’s what Jesus would do, to love unconditionally without any excuse.”
Atugonza Betty
Role: Mother and Mentor
Betty, Gordon’s mom, acts as a spiritual mentor for the kids of Ibonde and Jinja and supports her husband’s ministry with church and education for the kids.
“Compassion is what makes me wake up every morning to see that our orphaned and in-need children get to smile and live a life that is Christ centered. Jesus said let the young children come to me and my family and I are fulfilling that call.”
Our Caregivers
“Uncle” Sam
Role: Oversees Caregiver Operations
“My name is Samson, always referred to as Uncle Sam. I have been a volunteer for Ibonde children’s home for almost 15 years. I oversee daily operations.”
Jackie Akiiki
Role: Head Matron
“My name Jackie Akiiki. I help to keep our children laundry clean and I am the main matron for the girls dorms. I make sure their needs are met. I have been at Ibonde for 10 years and I have 2 children.”
Mary Agnes
Role: Matron
“Good morning, my name is Agnes and I help to clean and keep our houses and school clean. I also wash clothes and help during shopping for food and requirements for both Ibonde and Jinja. I also help in teaching the little children at Covenant nursery school. I help both at Jinja and Ibonde. I have been volunteering for 4 years. I am 31 years old.”
Nyangoma
Role: Assistant Matron
“My name is Nyangoma, which means older twin. I love the Lord and serving. I serve with Jackie as her assistant matron and I take care of maintenance.”
Docus
Role: Head Cook
“My name is Docus. I am head cook for our orphans and help clean their dorms. I have been at Ibonde for 7 years as a volunteer.”
“Uncle” Moses
Role: Senior Cook
“My name is uncle Moses and I am the senior cook for our children. I make sure our children eat on time and stay healthy. I have been serving for 6 years.”
Chris Amooti
Role: Cook
“My name is Chris Amooti. I am the second cook at Ibonde and I help with water distribution and store keeping.”
Moses
Role: Assistant Cook & Security
“My name is Moses and I am a Christian. I help with the daily activities from cooking to security and to make sure all our keeps are safe. I love working hard and volunteering. I have been at ibonde for 5 years.”
Doreen
Role: Nursery Teaching Assistant
“I am Doreen and I came to Ibonde home as a young orphan and now I help teach nursery school. I love my job and I want to pay back for the help I received, that is why I volunteer.”
Muhammad Apuuli
Role: Carpenter
“My name is Muhammad Apuuli. I come from Ibonde and serve the children. I am Muslim and I help with cutting grass, carpentry and hard labor.”
Founders and Board of Directors of Nyayo
Michael McKenna
Role: Founder and President
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Until I was 27, I never really thought of orphans and definitely did not want to travel to Africa. Until I was 29, I didn’t want to form a nonprofit to help these people that we had visited in 2017. I saw the need but I wanted someone else to do the work. And now I can’t imagine a life without them. It’s really neat to see the specific application of Ephesians 2:10 in my life and hope others find their work to walk in.
Gordon Tusabe
Role: Founder and Vice President
My reason to serve the Nyayo mission is quite personal. I was in the same situation as these orphans and children less than 20 years ago. Though not an orphan, my family could hardly manage to put a meal on the table, sometimes I had to walk barefoot.
Through Nyayo, I commit to serve orphans and the helpless to meet their needs but most importantly to live a life that shows Jesus is real and that His love is tangible and true.
Hunter Sutton
Role: Founder and Treasurer/Secretary
My reason to serve Nyayo and it’s mission is to spread hope and love to kids who may not entirely know how that feels. I serve to see the kids wake up every morning with an energy that can’t be contained, a smile that can’t be broken and a laughter that brings them to tears. I serve to see the kids go to sleep every night with one less worry of the world, one more life lesson learned and who are never afraid to dream big. I serve to bring God glory, to share His love and to leave His valuable footprints in their lives.