Ella runs Cats Cradle, Uganda’s only rescue dedicated to saving and rehoming cats. What began with one girl and one cat has grown into a sanctuary that has saved nearly 200 lives, in a country that has little compassion for cats . Ella never turns a blind eye to animal cruelty and recently saved 3 puppies that Children were throwing stones at on the street. The puppies have now been rehomed on a beautiful farm. With rising vet and food costs, this work can only continue with our support.

Here is Ella's story in her own words:

My journey with cats began when I was 10, watching our family cat abused for something as small as pooping in the wrong place. I stayed silent, too timid to speak up—but that moment never left me.

Years later, I met Echo, a frail street cat I had seen suffering for months. Terrified but unable to ignore her, I rescued her with no knowledge, no vet, and little support. Kind people like Denise from The Kitten Chronicles and Dr. Alex from Vetluv guided me, teaching me how to care for sick kittens and showing me that compassion was stronger than fear.

At first, my community mocked me. Cats were seen as evil, and even my family questioned why I cared. But I knew kindness should not be limited to people—animals also feel, love, and suffer. Slowly, everything changed. My mother supported me, my father gave me land, and my neighbors who once whispered now stand beside me.

That is how The Cradle was born: a sanctuary for abused, neglected, and abandoned cats. What began with sleepless nights and my school savings has grown into a family, a community, and a movement.

Five years later, The Cradle has rescued nearly 200 cats and several dogs. Some have found forever homes, others remain with us, but all prove the same truth: every life matters. Beyond rescue, we work to change mindsets, teaching compassion and respect for animals—one story, one rescue, one changed heart at a time.

The Cradle is more than a shelter. It is a promise: that every animal deserves love, healing, and a future.