Welcome to The Zuri Project: Building Brighter Futures in Kihembe

If you’re new here, welcome! Whether you’ve stumbled across our site by chance or were recommended by a friend, we’re delighted to have you. At The Zuri Project Uganda, sustainable change is at the heart of everything we do.

Since our founding in 2015, we have been working as a UK-registered charity with a big heart and a clear mission: to support and enable community-led development in rural South-Western Uganda. Specifically, our work is focused on the beautiful sub-county of Kihembe in the Kanungu District.

Who We Are

The Zuri Project was born from a shared vision between UK co-founders Ross Young, Martin Hewell and their late friend, Niwagaba Herbert. Herbert was a visionary who wanted to see his home village thrive. Today, we continue our work in his memory, governed by a simple philosophy: development should be humanising, well-researched, and—above all—led by the people it serves.

We partner directly with a local NGO, Opportunity Africa, and a dedicated Ugandan team—overseen by a board of local directors—to ensure every pound raised goes toward projects that the community actually wants and needs.

Our Three Pillars of Impact

We focus our resources on three vital areas: education, health, and sustainable livelihoods. Our flagship project sites include:

1. Kihembe Community Vocational Secondary School: We are incredibly proud to have built the first-ever secondary school in the sub-county. Today, over 120 students have access to quality education, a science lab, and vocational training that prepares them for a brighter future.

2. Kihembe Health Centre II: Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. We have funded solar-powered staff quarters to house medical professionals and contributed to the construction of a maternity ward, ensuring mothers in Kihembe have a safe place to give birth.

3. Kishunju Nursery & Primary School: This is where it all began. Over the last decade, we’ve built six new classrooms, provided teacher training, and supported agricultural projects to ensure the youngest members of the community get the best start in life.

Beyond Charity

We are also passionate about redefining the relationship between the UK and international development. We actively challenge "white saviour" narratives, choosing instead to focus on co-production. Our role is to provide funding and support; the local community provides expertise and leadership.

How You Can Get Involved

We are a small charity, which means every single donation makes a tangible difference. Whether it’s through a one-off or simply sharing our story, you are helping us deliver impact in rural Uganda.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we aren’t just building classrooms—we’re building a legacy.

Want to learn more? Contact us to find out how you can get involved in our work.