Imani Care Foundation celebrates 10 years of impact in 2024 5 districts now served across Eastern Uganda New mental health programs launching in schools Bumatofu School now supports 350+ students Join us in empowering youth – donate today
Founded in 2014

Building Resilience. Restoring Hope. Empowering Purpose.

Imani Care Foundation is a Ugandan-based non-governmental organization dedicated to strengthening mental health systems, expanding access to quality education, and empowering young people to live purposeful lives. We exist to ensure that every child, student, and family — regardless of background or circumstance — has access to the emotional, psychological, and educational support they deserve.

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Years of Impact
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Districts Served
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Youth Empowered
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Lives Impacted

Our Story

From vision to movement: A journey of transformation

Every life carries a story. And sometimes, that story passes through seasons of struggle — trauma, poverty, stigma, or limited opportunity.

In Uganda, mental health challenges remain widely misunderstood, under-resourced, and often hidden behind silence. Many young people face emotional distress without access to proper support systems. At the same time, rural communities continue to battle educational inequality and economic vulnerability.

Key Partnership

In 2014, in partnership with Allways Group Ltd, our co-founders established Bumatofu Parents' Nursery & Primary School to provide access to quality education in Eastern Uganda. This partnership marked the beginning of our holistic approach combining mental health support with educational opportunity.

Imani Care Foundation was born from the recognition that healing and opportunity must go hand in hand.

Our founders saw a critical need — not only to provide services, but to build resilience. Not only to offer support, but to restore purpose.

From grassroots school initiatives in Eastern Uganda to innovative mental health outreach programs across communities, Imani Care Foundation has grown into a movement committed to creating sustainable, long-term transformation.

Our Journey

A decade of impact and growth

Humble Beginnings

Founded by Clara Nkwenge & Claire Twenda with mental health workshops in Kampala schools

First Programs Launched

Creative Arts Therapy and Mobile Mental Health Clinics launched, reaching 500+ youth

Bumatofu School Established

In partnership with Allways Group Ltd, established Bumatofu Nursery & Primary School

Pandemic Response

Scaled digital mental health services through ImaniHub during COVID-19 lockdowns

Regional Expansion

Expanded to 5 districts across Eastern Uganda, serving 300+ youth directly

Our Vision Ahead

Establishing secondary school, vocational institute, and scaling ImaniHub nationally

Why Choose Imani Care Foundation

What sets us apart in our mission

Integrated Approach

We combine mental health support with education and livelihood programs for holistic impact.

Community-Led

Our programs are designed with and for the communities we serve, ensuring cultural relevance.

Measurable Impact

We track outcomes rigorously, with 85% of funds going directly to programs.

Dedicated Team

Passionate local staff and volunteers with decades of combined experience.

Our Vision

"A Life of Purpose"

We envision a world where every young individual — regardless of their background — is equipped with the resilience, emotional strength, and opportunity to lead a meaningful and impactful life.

Our Mission

To expand access to mental health services, promote educational equity, and empower communities through sustainable programs that strengthen resilience, dignity, and hope.

Explore Our Programs

What We Stand For

Our guiding principles in everything we do

Resilience

We believe adversity can be transformed into strength when individuals are given the right tools and support.

Compassion

We serve with empathy, respect, and dignity for every person we encounter.

Empowerment

We equip young people and families with knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive independently.

Community

We work collaboratively with schools, parents, institutions, and partners to build lasting change.

Integrity

We uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in all we do.

Sustainability

We focus on long-term impact, ensuring that solutions remain effective for generations.

How We Work

Our four strategic pillars for sustainable impact

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Awareness & Education

We conduct workshops, community dialogues, and school programs to raise awareness about mental health, resilience-building, and emotional well-being.

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Direct Intervention

Through Creative Arts Therapy, counseling support, mobile clinics, and rehabilitation programs, we provide practical, accessible mental health services.

03

Educational Empowerment

From early childhood education initiatives to rural vocational training programs, we strengthen academic pathways and reduce socio-economic vulnerability.

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Sustainable Community Impact

We partner with local leaders, institutions, and stakeholders to ensure that our programs create long-term, measurable transformation.

Our Programs in Action

Each program is designed to strengthen resilience while addressing immediate community needs

  • Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) in schools and universities
  • Schools & University Mental Health Programs
  • Parents' Mental Health Awareness Workshops
  • Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Support & Advocacy
  • Mobile Mental Health Clinics in underserved areas
  • ImaniHub – A digital mental health platform
  • Rural Vocational & Tertiary Institution Development
  • Regional Rehabilitation Centres
  • Bumatofu Parents' Nursery & Primary School Initiative

Our Founding Team

Passionate leaders driving transformation across Uganda

Claire Twenda

Claire Twenda

Founding Director & Education Visionary

Having studied childhood development, Claire recognized the urgent need to address educational inequality and mental health challenges in underserved communities. In 2014, in partnership with Allways Group Ltd, she co-founded Bumatofu Parents' Nursery & Primary School to provide access to quality education in Eastern Uganda.

Her leadership continues to guide Imani Care Foundation toward impactful and sustainable solutions, bridging mental health support with educational opportunity.

"Education is the foundation upon which we build resilient futures."
Clara Nkwenge

Clara Nkwenge

Co-Founder & Mental Health Director

With over 15 years in child psychology, Clara leads our mental health initiatives with compassion and expertise. She holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Makerere University and has pioneered trauma-informed care approaches for Ugandan youth.

Her vision for integrating mental health support with community development forms the core of Imani's holistic approach to youth empowerment.

"Every young person deserves a chance to heal and thrive, no matter their past."
Elijah Nyiro
Elijah Nyiro

Program Manager

A former beneficiary, Elijah now manages our vocational training programs, bringing firsthand understanding of youth challenges.

"I was helped, now I help others - that's the cycle of transformation."
Victoria Zalwango
Victoria Zalwango

Community Outreach Director

Victoria bridges our work with local communities across 5 districts, ensuring culturally sensitive and effective programs.

"Real change happens when communities own the process."

Advisory Board & Consultants

Expert guidance ensuring program quality and impact

Dr. Samuel Okello

Mental Health Advisor

Makerere University

Sarah Mukasa

Education Consultant

Ministry of Education

James Kato

Community Development

Local Government Representative

Stories of Transformation

Real lives changed through our integrated approach

"Imani Care Foundation transformed my life. Through their vocational training, I now run my own small business and support my family."
Grace Akello, Graduate
Grace Akello

Graduate

"The mental health support my children received after the mudslide helped them heal and return to school with confidence."
John Ochieng, Parent
John Ochieng

Parent

"Partnering with Imani has been an honor. Their dedication to youth empowerment is unmatched."
Sarah Nabatanzi, Partner
Sarah Nabatanzi

Partner

Our Impact

Behind every statistic is a life strengthened, a family supported, and a future renewed

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Pupils Supported

At Bumatofu School

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Nursery Learners

Ages 3-6 years

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Primary Learners

Grades 1-7

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Teachers & Staff

Dedicated educators

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Districts Served

Across Eastern Uganda

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Mental Health Sessions

Mobile clinics & therapy

Specific Impact Areas

Targeted interventions making measurable differences

Mobile Clinics

Reaching remote communities in 5 districts

CAT Workshops

Ongoing Creative Arts Therapy across institutions

Parent Workshops

Mental health awareness for families

Digital Reach

ImaniHub platform users growing monthly

Accreditations & Memberships

Recognized by leading institutions

Uganda NGO Bureau

Uganda NGO Bureau

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Education

Global Fund for Children

Global Fund for Children

Our Partners

Collaborating with organizations that share our vision for transformation

We collaborate with schools, local communities, development partners, and institutions committed to advancing mental health and educational equity in Uganda. Partnership is central to our mission — because sustainable impact is built together.

Lend a Hand Foundation Allways Group Ltd HyTribe Africa Tkay Art Bumatofu Parents' School Local Community Groups
Become a Partner

Where We Work

Serving communities across Eastern Uganda

The Future We're Building

We are building not just programs — but a generation equipped to lead lives of purpose

Establishing a secondary school in Sironko District
Developing a vocational training institute
Expanding regional rehabilitation centers
Scaling digital access through ImaniHub
Strengthening international collaborations

Transparency & Accountability

We believe in complete transparency in our operations and impact. As a registered Ugandan NGO (Reg No: INDR137647893), we are committed to ethical standards and regular reporting.

Registered NGO
Fully compliant with Ugandan regulations
Annual Audits
Independent financial audits conducted yearly
85% Program Allocation
85% of funds go directly to programs
Ugandan-Led
Local leadership for cultural relevance
Download Our Impact Report

See our detailed impact metrics, financial breakdown, and future plans.

Download 2023 Report

Join The Movement

"Mental well-being is not a luxury. Education is not a privilege. Purpose is not reserved for the few."

Together, we can build a resilient Uganda — where healing, opportunity, and dignity are accessible to all.

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