Grace & Hope Uganda grew from a deeply personal understanding of what it means to lose a parent, to need a home, and to depend on someone who chooses to care.
Founder Patrick Kato Busuulwa lost his mother when he was eight years old. His father was absent from his life. Patrick went to live with his grandmother, who gave him a place to belong. She was also caring for five other children who had lost their parents or left difficult family situations.
When Patrick was 17, his grandmother died. As the oldest, he took on responsibility for the five children she had been raising. While still a young person himself, he became someone other children depended on.
That experience shaped the work he continues today. Patrick founded and manages Grace & Hope, bringing his own experience of loss and responsibility to the daily care of children who need support.
After losing his mother, Patrick found a home with his grandmother and the five other children in her care.
When his grandmother died, Patrick became responsible for the children she had been raising.
Grace & Hope cares for 70 children and is working toward a permanent home and greater opportunity for their future.
For Patrick, care is found in ordinary, essential things: meals, shelter, help with education, and someone who is there when a child needs comfort. It is the daily commitment to helping children feel safe, valued and included.
Caring for children takes steady support and many helping hands. Alongside Patrick, people give their time and energy to turn compassion into practical care.
Patrick founded and manages Grace & Hope. His experience of losing his mother, being raised by his grandmother and later taking responsibility for other children continues to shape his dedication to the program.
George helps oversee the boys and looks after the home when Patrick is away. He supports physically demanding tasks and helps with health and sanitation, contributing to the practical work that keeps the program running.
Ruth helps care for the babies and girls. She also offers guidance to the older girls as they grow into young women, providing another important source of support in their lives.
We are grateful to everyone who shares their time, care and encouragement: helping with a task, offering a steady presence and standing beside Patrick in the work of caring for the children.
Difficulties with rent and an eviction showed Patrick how uncertain life in a rented property could be. He bought land and began building a permanent home.
The shell of the new home is complete. The next step is to finish and furnish it: floors, electrical work, a kitchen, appliances, bedding and spaces where the children can rest, learn and spend time together.
Help us turn a building into a home and everyday support into lasting hope. Your contribution supports the program as a whole, helping provide meals, daily essentials, education and care.
