About Us
Driven by lived experience, united by purpose — empowering refugees and host communities to build dignified, sustainable futures.
Mwinja Divine Help Foundation
We are a Refugee-Led Organization founded in Kampala, Uganda, born from the lived experiences of those who have directly faced the challenges of displacement.
Our founders understand intimately the struggles faced by refugees and host communities — the daily fight for education, healthcare, employment, and dignity. This understanding drives everything we do.
We are committed to creating sustainable pathways out of poverty through education, economic empowerment, and community development — ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
5,000+
Beneficiaries
15
Projects
25+
Communities
Our Story
The Beginning
Mwinja Divine Help Foundation was founded in Kampala, Uganda, by refugees who understood firsthand the challenges faced by displaced communities.
First Programs
We launched our first education and livelihood programs, reaching over 500 beneficiaries in Rubaga Division and surrounding communities.
Growth & Recognition
Registered with Uganda NGO Bureau, expanded our team, and established partnerships with local organizations and international agencies.
Scaling Impact
Today we serve thousands of refugees and host community members, with programs spanning education, health, economic empowerment, and community development.
Vision, Mission & Values
Compassion
Treating every individual with kindness, empathy, and understanding
Empowerment
Enabling individuals to take control of their own futures
Inclusivity
Creating welcoming spaces for all, regardless of background
Sustainability
Focusing on long-term solutions that benefit future generations
Respect & Dignity
Honoring the inherent worth of every person regardless of status
Collaboration
Working together with communities and partners for shared goals
Advocacy
Championing the rights and needs of refugees and marginalized groups
Cultural Sensitivity
Respecting and integrating diverse cultural backgrounds
Our Vision
To create a world where refugees and low-income host communities are socially and economically empowered and actively participate in community development.
Our Mission
1. Promote emotional healing and mental well-being by creating safe and supportive spaces for individuals experiencing trauma and depression, encouraging reflection, exploring diverse paths to healing, and fostering personal growth, resilience, and hope.
2. Educate and guide vulnerable people to access humanitarian services for their psychosocial, legal and judicial wellbeing.
3. Bring vulnerable individuals together and encourage them to engage socially and participle in community initiatives.
4. Create a world where every individual can cultivate harmony, peace and love, especially toward vulnerable person.
Meet Our Team
Dedicated professionals with shared lived experience and commitment to serving our communities.
Okovunimali Mwinja Vasco
Executive Director
Founded MDHF after his own refugee journey, dedicated to empowering displaced communities.
Emile Amisi
Program Manager
experience in community development and humanitarian work.
Joyce Azam
Financial manager
Gracia Rutebuka
Education Lead
Passionate about education access for refugee children and youth.
Ombeni nyarugeta
Livelihoods Coordinator
Expert in vocational training and small business development.
Jullien kitsa Bauma
outrich manager
Divine Manegabe
Accountant manger
Therese kabangu
Media manager
A Crisis Demands
a Response
Uganda hosts Africa's largest refugee population — over 1.96 million people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, and persecution.
In Kampala alone, over 157,000 refugees face daily challenges: limited access to education, scarce livelihood opportunities, inadequate healthcare, and the constant struggle for dignity and self-reliance.
We exist because no one should have to choose between safety and opportunity. We exist because refugees deserve a chance to not just survive — but to thrive.
Join Our Mission
Whether you have resources, skills, or simply the desire to make a difference, there is a place for you in our work. Together, we can build futures.