Our story

A vision, a building site, and a handful of friends.

Driven by Purpose

Our aims

In 1992, Alice and John, a couple with a deep Christian faith, began building a school in Rukungiri, a small hilltop town in south-western Uganda. They had no large organisation behind them — just a conviction driven by their faith that the children in their community deserved somewhere to go.

Friends in the UK heard what was happening and started raising money to help. That early act of friendship practical, personal, and direct, has made the difference for thousands of children over 30 years.

Education as the foundation

We believe that access to a good education changes what a child believes is possible for their future. Rukungiri Modern Primary School exists to give children that starting point, regardless of whether they have lost a parent, come from poverty, or simply have no other.

A partnership built on trust​​

We're not a large international organisation. We're a registered UK charity built on relationship — between supporters here and the school community in Uganda. When you give, it goes straight to the school. When the school needs something, we hear about it. When something changes, we tell you.

Care beyond the classroom​

A child who is hungry, unsafe, or without a sense of belonging cannot learn well. Meals, uniforms, boarding facilities, the warmth of the nursery — these are not extras. They are the conditions that make education possible. Caring for the whole child is one of our core values.

it's your turn

How can you build with us?

There are several ways to get behind the work — from sponsoring a child to supporting our projects.

Make a donation
Rukingiri School Children at tables inside. Orphanage Uganda Charity Child Sponsorship.

History Timeline

Thirty years of building.

Every year in this timeline represents a decision — to keep building, to keep giving, to keep going. From a building site in 1992 to a school that now educates 700 children, this is how it happened.

1992 - 1997

Rukingiri School Old photo of the land where the orphanage is formed. Orphanage Uganda Charity Child Sponsorship.

Alice and John begin building a school in Rukungiri.

Friends in the UK start raising funds to support the work.

1997 - 2002

Rukingiri School Children looking at adults at the opening of the school. Orphanage Uganda Charity Child Sponsorship.

Rukungiri Modern Primary School opens its doors.

2002 - 2007

The Rukungiri Orphan Partnership becomes a registered UK charity. 

A hall and four extra classrooms are built.

A second-hand lorry is purchased to help transport food and building materials.

2012 - 2017

Rukingiri School Children outside playing on play equipment purchased for the school. Orphanage Uganda Charity Child Sponsorship.

Nursery playground equipment is purchased — funded by money raised through running the London Marathon.

2017 - 2022

Rukingiri School. Headmasters house as it was purchased from being rented. Orphanage Uganda Charity Child Sponsorship.

The headmaster's house, previously rented, begins to be purchased.

Plans are put in place to build new school toilets.

2022 - Now

Rukingiri School Children practicing their instruments in the band uniform of red gold and black. Orphanage Uganda Charity Child Sponsorship.

New environmentally friendly toilets are setup.

A clean water system is installed — ending the daily task of boiling water for 700 children.

Refurbishments for boarders and staff room.

Donated instruments are shipped to support the school band.

Our team — the people behind the work

Meet the team.

ROP is run entirely by volunteers in the UK and the team in Uganda. No trustee receives payment. Every pound given, goes to the school. These are the people who give their time to make sure it does.

John and Alice Tumusiime
John and Alice Tumusiime
Founders of Rukungiri Modern Primary School
Rukingiri School Trustee Dan Watson. Orphanage Uganda Charity Child Sponsorship.
Dan
Watson

Trustee

Rukingiri School Trustee Sue Read. Orphanage Uganda Charity Child Sponsorship.
Sue
Read

Trustee

Rukingiri School Trustee Judy Cave. Orphanage Uganda Charity Child Sponsorship.
Judy
Cave

Trustee

Steve
Read

Trustee

Rukingiri School Trustee Roger Farnworth. Orphanage Uganda Charity Child Sponsorship.
Roger Farnworth

Trustee

Donate

Sponsor a child

Get involved

Read our news

See the impact

Be part of what comes next.

We made it this far because people like you have chosen to give to Rukingiri Modern School. The next chapter is still being written — and we would love you to be a part of it.