The foundation's welfare efforts bring books to secondary schools in Kitobo Ward, fostering education and opportunity. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Tujenge Kagera Yetu (Tukye) Foundation, a newly established foundation based in Kashasha Village, Kitobo Ward, Misenyi District, is gearing up for its official launch on December 29, 2024.
As an organization dedicated to uplifting the Kagera Region, Tukye’s journey from a small WhatsApp group to a formal foundation highlights the power of community-driven initiatives.
“Tukye is not just about development—it’s about identity and unity,” said Kaijage Novatus, the organization’s chairman and an experienced community development expert.
Novatus explained that the foundation’s roots lie in a WhatsApp group started two years ago by Stanslaus Boniface, a native of Kitobo now based in Sumbawanga.
Initially a platform for sharing information among Kitobo residents, the group evolved into a movement for tangible development.
“What began as casual discussions has now blossomed into a registered NGO,” noted Novatus, adding that Tukye officially registered on August 1, 2024, under the number 05NGO/R/7185.
The foundation’s objectives are ambitious yet practical. Tukye aims to connect Kitobo residents and Kagera natives worldwide to foster economic and social progress.
“Our mission is to tap into the resources and expertise of our people, both within and outside Kagera, for the benefit of the region,” said Vice Secretary Winston Mbuga. The foundation also focuses on key areas such as environmental conservation, public health, governance, and information accessibility. “Empowering communities with knowledge is as crucial as providing physical resources,” Mbuga emphasized.
The December 29 inauguration marks a significant milestone, with preliminary activities beginning on December 21. These include fundraising, sanitation drives in schools and health facilities, blood donation campaigns, and cultural celebrations.
“This isn’t just an event; it’s a statement of who we are and what we aspire to achieve,” said Achila Magayane, a seasoned procurement officer and Tukye member. Traditional dances, village football leagues, and student essay competitions are among the highlights, showcasing the region’s rich heritage and potential.
Despite its recent establishment, Tukye has already made an impact. It has supported funerals, weddings, and community welfare activities, including donating books to secondary schools in Kitobo Ward.
The foundation has also opened an office staffed by volunteers, demonstrating its commitment to grassroots engagement. “Our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Secretary Andrew Kaijage.
He pointed out that the organization plans to introduce policies on financial management, volunteerism, and stakeholder relations to enhance transparency and accountability.
Tukye operates in a region grappling with significant economic challenges. Kagera, once a hub of agricultural productivity, has faced stagnation due to limited industrial growth and youth migration.
Professor Anna Tibaijuka, a distinguished native of the region and former UN-Habitat Executive Director, has repeatedly called for revitalized efforts to address these issues. “We must invest in our communities to build a sustainable future,” Tibaijuka has urged. Organizations like Tukye embody this vision by focusing on local solutions to global challenges.
The foundation’s work aligns with other NGOs in Misenyi District, such as Shirika la Matumaini na Maendeleo, Jambo for Development (JFD), and the Misenyi Environmental and Development Organization (MAPEC). These organizations have addressed education, health, and environmental needs, laying a foundation that Tukye seeks to expand.
“We see ourselves as collaborators, not competitors,” said Novatus. He highlighted Tukye’s unique approach of integrating cultural preservation with development, adding, “Our traditions are our strength, and they must guide our progress.”
As Tukye prepares for its launch, its leadership emphasizes inclusivity and neutrality. “We are apolitical, though our members may have personal affiliations,” noted Novatus.
This neutrality has allowed the foundation to work across divides, focusing solely on Kagera’s development. Such an approach is crucial in a region where political and social tensions often hinder progress.
The foundation’s fundraising drive is expected to be a key highlight of the inauguration. Funds will support ongoing projects like improving sanitation facilities at Kashasha Primary School and establishing a development fund for long-term initiatives.
The event will also honor members who have made significant contributions, reinforcing a culture of gratitude and shared responsibility.
Looking ahead, Tukye plans to strengthen its governance structure by holding regular elections and revising its constitution to reflect emerging needs. “We are committed to evolving with our community,” said Kaijage. The foundation also aims to forge partnerships with local and international stakeholders, leveraging their resources and expertise to scale its impact.
The December 29 launch of Tukye promises to galvanize the people of Kagera into a unified effort to reshape their future. Anchila Kimaro, the foundation’s treasurer, emphasized the importance of community contributions, stating, “Every coin donated is a step toward uplifting lives in Kitobo and beyond. Transparency and accountability will guide us in making each shilling count.”
With its robust leadership, clear objectives, and the unwavering support of its members, Tukye symbolizes a movement born out of collective ambition. This inauguration sets the stage for transformational change, igniting hope and signaling the dawn of a revitalized era for the Kagera Region.