This project is aimed at providing a settlement to a local pygmies community, protecting them from assaults, giving them a roof and a start in a better future.

My name is Katto Isaac, I am 35 years old. I grew up and have lived by the shore of Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. I studied tourism and have founded two community organizations at the lake, projects I started 13 years ago. They are aimed at welcoming people in need of opportunities, a place where they can find a family at a time they can't find any elsewhere. I frequently have visitors, couchsurfers and volunteers from Europe and the US that appreciate the places I have created.

What is this project about?

Who are the pygmies? Pygmies (or “Batwa” in their own language) are indigenous Africans. They used to live in caves and in the forest. These people were gatherers and hunters, full of ancient wisdom about nature and closely linked to their environment which provided everything they needed to thrive.

30 years ago they got chased away from the forest by the Ugandan government and were not placed anywhere. Since then it has been a very difficult situation for them, and they don't have a place they can call home. Now they often live in small, scattered groups. They are forced to live without a roof over their head, with difficult access to basic necessities, like a proper place to sleep, food, and safety.

These very challenging conditions of living made them particularly vulnerable. They got traumatized by assaults and rapes, being not recognized as human beings. An expert recently stated: “Four in 10 children don't survive to age 5 and average life expectancy for the Batwa is 28 years.” (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echuya_Batwa). The government has not taken any action.

How am I going to help?

I have been trying to support a nearby group of around 30 pygmies, including children, by giving them food and clothes for some years, as an individual that grew a bond with them. You can see some of them in the cover image above and the pictures below. (The last pic below is their current "living room".)

For a more sustainable solution I need your help. They need a place in which they can live long term. I am planning to provide that: a settlement with the basic necessities such as houses for accommodation, toilets and kitchen. A space dedicated for a garden (for vegetables) will be available for the settlement. I also hope to work with them in my projects in the future.

What am I going to do with the money?

Here is a breakdown of the cost:

This adds up to the fundraising goal of 6.200€ (ca. 25m Ugandan Shillings)

The houses are made with locally sourced materials (wood, sand, cement, mud, ropes, iron sheets, nails) aimed to last more than 40 years, a kitchen, toilets. Wood will be provided by myself at no extra cost. Only local labor will contribute. My brothers and volunteers (WWOOF, etc.) will help in the construction for free.

The funds will be received by my friend Rainer Höll in Germany who will transfer them to me. (GoFundMe does not allow Ugandan Bank accounts as recipients). He is 47 years old, a social business professional. He has stayed with his family for several weeks at Lake Bunyonyi with me and has gotten to know the Pygmies community and their challenging situation.

It is hard for NGOs to reach every problematic. This is why we want to directly provide aid to the community. There is no running cost, all the fund raised for the project can directly be used for the project itself.

What is the timeline?

Once the fundraiser is done land acquisition and construction can start and be done within 6 months.

Thanks for your support!

Already with 50€ you can make a real difference in Uganda. Your support will completely change the life of 30 people. Please help me to help these people. I am deeply grateful for any support you can give.

You are more than welcome to reach out in case you have any questions about the project and to share. Also you are welcome to directly visit our community.