Mpigi — State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has pledged 10 acres of land and UGX 10 million to support Watoto Church’s ongoing mission of transforming the lives of vulnerable children in Uganda.
Speaking during his visit to Watoto Suubi Children’s Village in Maya, Mpigi District on Tuesday, Hon. Barugahara committed 10 acres of land in Karamoja to support the expansion and sustainability of Watoto Church’s humanitarian work with vulnerable children.
The visit marked a significant moment of solidarity between government and faith-based institutions working to uplift some of the country’s most at-risk populations, including orphans, former child soldiers, and street-connected youth.
Watoto Church, through its Suubi Village, has cared for over 6,500 children since it was founded in 1994 by Canadian missionaries Pastor Gary Skinner and his wife, Marilyn Skinner, in response to Uganda’s post-war orphan crisis and the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Speaking to the children, staff, and guests, Hon. Barugahara lauded the church for being “a home for the homeless, the fatherless, and the forgotten.” He recounted Uganda’s turbulent history between 1981 and 1986, a time marked by civil conflict and the collapse of family systems, which left thousands of children orphaned and vulnerable.
“Watoto’s work began when our country was healing from war and the HIV/AIDS crisis. Today, over 6,000 children have been raised here with love, education, and hope,” Barugahara said. “This is not just charity—it’s nation-building.”
He paid tribute to Watoto founders Gary and Marilyn Skinner, who relocated from Canada to Uganda in the early 1990s to start the ministry after witnessing the effects of war and disease on children. Watoto Church has since expanded its care to include babies’ homes, vocational training, and transition programs for young adults.
“It took the heart and vision of two people—Gary and Marilyn—to see that these children needed more than sympathy. They needed a home, an education, and a future,” Barugahara said. “Their ministry has transformed lives and is now transforming Uganda.”
Acknowledging the current challenges faced by children, especially those living on the streets of Kampala, the Minister announced that most of these children originate from Karamoja, a sub-region that continues to suffer high poverty and displacement rates.
“We can’t end the street child crisis without tackling it at the source. That’s why I will write to the Karamojong leadership to find more land for a similar home,” he stated.
To address this, he pledged to not only offer 10 acres of his own land in Karamoja for a new children’s facility but also to engage local leaders and ministers in the region to secure a larger piece of land. “If we want to end the crisis of street children, we must address the root causes,” he emphasised. “We need to bring the solution to where the children come from.”
Barugahara reminded the youth that their circumstances do not define their potential.“I, too, came from humble beginnings. But by God’s grace, I am where I am today. So never underestimate where you can go,” he told them. “One day, one of you will be a Minister, just like me.”
As the children cheered and danced, Minister Barugahara concluded by calling on all Ugandans to support causes that uplift the vulnerable. “Now is the time to give. To the donors, church members, and Ugandans of goodwill, thank you. Let’s keep building this country together.”
Accompanied by technocrats from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, including Assistant Commissioner for Children Affairs Mr. Franco Tollea, the Minister’s delegation visited various Watoto facilities, including vocational schools, tailoring and carpentry units, and baby homes.
Commissioner Tollea praised the partnership with Watoto, highlighting it as a model in ensuring that children grow up in safe, nurturing environments. “This is more than social work—it’s nation-building. We are translating policy into practice through partners like Watoto,” said Tollea.
Barugahara also took the opportunity to call for national recognition for the Skinners, suggesting that they be awarded Uganda’s highest civilian honours for their outstanding service to the country. “People have been awarded medals for much less. But anyone who has raised over 6,000 children and turned them into future leaders of this nation deserves a place in our national records,” he remarked.
Pastor Edward Mwesigye of Watoto Church expressed gratitude for the minister’s visit and encouragement, noting that their mission has always been about raising “Godly transformational leaders.”
“We do not just provide shelter. We raise children to become responsible, productive Ugandans—future doctors, engineers, ministers, and maybe even presidents,” Pastor Mwesigye said.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s Christian foundation, explaining that all their work is to glorify God and serve the nation. “For the past 31 years, Watoto Ministries has been a beacon of hope and transformation, founded by Gary and Marilyn Skinner in response to the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda following years of war and the HIV crisis,” Pastor Edward Mwesigye said.
He added: “Our mission is clear: to raise Godly transformational leaders who will not only thrive but lead Uganda into a brighter future. We are grateful for the government’s partnership because this is truly a national effort, and together, we are making a lasting impact on over 6,000 children and young adults,” he added.
