Our Vision
All People in Northern Uganda Know God and Can Support Themselves and Their Loved Ones
Left - Lanyero Fortunate now studies IT at university. CLICK HERE TO READ HER STORY
Our Mission
Teaching marketable skills that lift people out of hopelessness and poverty
Our Story
Twelve years ago, our lives changed forever. It all started when I, Yvonne, went on a mission trip to Uganda to visit our World Vision sponsored child. I never could have imagined the future God had in store for us.
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From the moment I set foot in Uganda, I fell in love with the people. Their warmth, resilience, and spirit captivated my heart in ways I never thought possible. When I returned home, I couldn’t stop talking about my experience. My enthusiasm must have been contagious because Jeff, my shy husband, decided to make the journey too.
When I (Jeff) visited Uganda, I fell in love with the resilient Ugandan people just as Yvonne had. What started as a single trip for each of us soon became a shared calling. With each visit, our hearts grew more attached to Uganda and its people.
After one of our trips, we found ourselves in a heartfelt conversation with Pastor Martin Onen in Gulu, Northern Uganda. We remember sharing with him, “Our hearts are in Uganda and have grown to love your people and your vision for the Church.” Then, with a mixture of hope and uncertainty, we asked, “Do you think there is a place in Uganda where we would be able to use our skills and talents on a long-term basis?”
Pastor Martin’s reply touched us deeply. “We welcome you as co-workers in His Kingdom ... as we prepare African leaders for kingdom work. You are welcome to be to us like Hur and Aaron to Moses, lifting our hands up as we serve God.”
This powerful exchange marked the beginning of Empowering Ugandans. We dared to believe that our skills and passion could be channeled into creating opportunities for Ugandans to build better lives for themselves and their families. It was our chance to contribute meaningfully to a country and people we love so deeply.
Today, looking back on the twelve-year journey of Empowering Ugandans, what has happened is amazing. What began as a visit to a sponsored child has blossomed into a full-fledged mission to empower and uplift Ugandan communities.
Empowering Ugandans now offers various programs and initiatives, all aimed at providing Ugandans with the skills and resources they need to secure better futures. From vocational training to spiritual guidance, our heart is to touch Ugandan lives in multifaceted ways, always staying true to our original vision of love and service.
We’re particularly proud of our commitment to providing free education and training. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, students can access life-changing opportunities without financial barriers. We provide all necessary materials for projects and even supply food during breaks, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their learning and growth.
The incredible impact that can come from following one’s heart and answering God’s call is powerful. Our love story with Uganda has blossomed into a movement that continues to change lives every day.
To every supporter of Empowering Ugandans, we want to say thank you. Your generosity is the fuel that keeps this vision alive and growing. Together, we’re not just teaching skills – we’re building hope, creating opportunities, and empowering Ugandans to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
The story of Empowering Ugandans is far from over, and with continued support and dedication, we believe its impact will only grow in the years to come.
Come join us in this journey of love and empowerment. Who knows, it may be that you write the next chapter in this beautiful story of transformation in Uganda!
Ugandans Need
Opportunities to learn new skills
Role models and guidance for success
Fostering of dreams and aspirations
Ugandans often feel hopeless
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It is unjust for them to be trapped in a cycle of hopelessness
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Feel like failures for not being able to provide food and shelter
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Ugandans frequently do not have enough food to eat
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Living with inefficient opportunities erodes their sense of self-worth
Ugandans frequently can't provide for the ones they love​​
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Lack employable talents
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Don't have skills that are in high demand.
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Adults may have not attended school.
David Oaks
Guest Storyteller & Blogger
David Oaks, a visionary fundraising coach and author, recently joined the Weinsteins on a transformative journey to Uganda.
Deeply moved by the resilience and potential of the Ugandan people, David has become a passionate advocate for Empowering Ugandans.
As a guest blogger, he shares compelling stories that bring to life the triumphs and challenges faced by the Ugandan people and their love for Jeff and Yvonne Weinstein.
Daniel Comboni
Web Master
Daniel Comboni is a native Ugandan who leads our computer education classes and also manages our web page.
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Daniel’s path to becoming an IT specialist wasn’t straightforward. In high school, he studied geography, entrepreneurship, and math as information technology was not given much importance and had limited content. Yet, his passion for computers burned bright, leading him to pursue math as a gateway to the world of IT.
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You can read Daniel's story HERE.