Empowering Grandmothers to Bring Positive Transformation
In Rukiga District, Uganda, a groundbreaking partnership is taking shape to empower grandmothers and the children under their care. Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project (Nyaka), a nonprofit with over two decades of experience supporting grandmothers and orphaned children, has partnered with Reach One Touch One Ministries (ROTOM), a trusted faith-based organization with deep community roots, to launch the Grandmothers Project.
This collaboration is more than a program it’s a holistic approach to community transformation. Grandmothers often serve as the primary caregivers for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs), yet many face economic, social, and health challenges that limit their ability to provide stable, nurturing homes. Nyaka and ROTOM are combining their strengths to address these challenges head-on.
A Pilot for Lasting Change
The partnership will begin with a pilot targeting 330 grandmothers across 11 groups in Rwamucucu and Bukinda sub-counties, with the first 10 groups launching as the initial phase. The project’s ambitious yet achievable goal is a 40% increase in household income within the first year, alongside improved school retention and attendance for approximately 1,200 children.
Nyaka brings its proven Grandmother Microfinance Model, which has already transformed the lives of over 23,000 grandmothers in neighboring districts. Through microloans, financial literacy training, and mentorship, grandmothers gain the tools to start or expand small businesses, strengthen household economies, and create safer, more stable environments for children. ROTOM complements this approach with its trusted community networks, mobilization capacity, and ongoing health and psychosocial support programs.
Health as the Foundation for Economic Empowerment
One of the unique aspects of this partnership is its recognition that health and wellbeing are critical to economic empowerment. Many grandmothers in Rukiga have already benefited from ROTOM’s health interventions, including medical screenings, community outreaches, and counseling. By building on these gains, the project ensures that grandmothers are healthy, confident, and ready to participate in income-generating activities that can uplift entire households.
A word from ROTOM
“We are thrilled to partner with Nyaka in Rukiga District. This collaboration marks the start of a shared journey to empower grandmothers, strengthen households, and support children’s wellbeing. Together, we will develop joint initiatives, build a cohesive team, and create lasting impact in the communities we serve,” says Kenneth E. Mugayehwenkyi, Founder and Executive Director, ROTOM.
Strong Governance and Collaborative Approach
The partnership operates under a two-tiered governance structure to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective delivery. Technical focal points from both organizations Dennis (Nyaka) and Norah (ROTOM) coordinate day-to-day implementation, while an oversight team provides strategic guidance, monitors performance, and ensures safeguarding and ethical standards. Monthly monitoring, evaluation, and learning sessions will track progress against key indicators, including income growth, loan performance, and child wellbeing outcomes.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Impact Across Uganda
While the pilot starts in Rukiga, Nyaka envisions a broader scale across Uganda. By integrating economic empowerment into existing health and social support systems, this partnership provides a replicable model for lifting grandmothers, strengthening households, and ensuring children have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
As the project unfolds, Nyaka and ROTOM are already planning a donor visit in August 2026, bringing together funders, partners, and community representatives to witness firsthand the transformative impact of grandmother-led development.
This partnership stands as a testament to what is possible when organizations combine complementary strengths, focus on holistic community support, and place grandmothers the often unsung heroes of Uganda’s communities at the center of development.
Together, Nyaka and ROTOM are proving that empowered grandmothers can be the driving force for resilient families and thriving communities.
