View over Lake Bunyonyi from the land bought by Children of Kabale

The next step

A real home, on land we already own

From January 2022 we discussed with Nahwera the idea of buying land — first to grow vegetables, and later to build a house for the children. The land was found and bought in August 2022: about 2,500 m² at 1,800 m altitude, with a view over Lake Bunyonyi. The climate allows up to three harvests per year.

Crops growing on the land with Lake Bunyonyi in the background — Water is connected to the field; electricity will be connected when building starts (about €1,200).

The fenced and cultivated plot of land near Kabale — The plot is fenced. A 70 m retaining wall was built in five working days by more than 35 people, all materials carried in by hand.

Nahwera standing in the field of crops — 240 kg of seed planted — Irish potatoes, beans and more. About one tonne harvested the first time.

The plans

One central house, two buildings for 32 children

Architect's rendering of the front of the planned children's house

Architect's rendering of the planned house seen from the side

Architect's rendering of the dormitory buildings for the children

During a visit in June 2023 we met an architect in Kabale who developed the project: a large central house with living room, dining room, a big kitchen, a study room for the children, and a floor with an apartment for Nahwera plus additional rooms and bathrooms. Two smaller buildings each hold four bedrooms, giving space for 32 children.

The plans have been technically validated by an engineer who will be the future prime contractor and site manager, and they are approved by the head office in Kampala — which means we can start work as soon as we are ready. The construction budget is around €100,000: modest for what it delivers, and enormous when you do not have it.

The handwritten land purchase document from Kabale with signatures and a hand-drawn map

Transparency

How the land was bought

The purchase was a cash remittance of 45 million Ugandan shillings (about €12,000): 30% from association funds, the rest from Dominique's personal money. The document was drawn up between the owner, the neighbours and the purchaser, and is valid pending the final legal title.

The land is registered in Nahwera's name. As a foreigner Dominique cannot buy land in Uganda — and if his name appeared in a transaction, prices would immediately double or triple. Above all, he has no valid reason to own anything funded with our donors' money.

Lake Bunyonyi seen from the hills near Kabale

Help us build it

Lake Bunyonyi is some sixty kilometres long and up to 900 m deep. This is the view the children will grow up with.

Donate on HelloAsso