This website was built by 'Friends of Bwindi' (previously 'Friends of Bwindi Orphanage'), a UK-based charitable
organisation, to support
the work of 'Bwindi Orphans Development Center' (BODEC). Unfortunately our organisation is no longer able to support BODEC
and therefore
the website has been removed.
We will continue to support local groups and individuals.
Contact 'Friends of Bwindi'
Bwindi Orphanage Development Centre was started in 1998 as Bwindi Orphans Group by Mr Byamugisha Ignatius-a local leader and Mrs Baseme Bridget a community social worker.
HIV/Aids, other illnesses and poverty had left many children orphaned within the community with no way of getting shelter, food or clothes and no hope of raising the funds needed to go to school.
Many children resorted to begging and suffered from injuries, through beatings.
Ignatius realised that the situation was a social problem and he went with Bridget to speak with each child individually. 5 double orphans went to live with Ignatius, and others were educated with him during the day, but slept with local families. Ignatius soon discovered that some of these children loved their days but hated their nights as they were still being mistreated by their foster families.
Ignatius and Bridget worked with the foster families highlighting children's rights, teaching them appropriate ways to discipline and generally educating and supporting them.
Bwindi Orphanage Development Centre is a registered Community organisation with Kanunugu District local government.
Ignaius remains at the forefront of the organisation as Director. His compassion and drive continues to expand and evolve the organisation, supporting local children and families, with the goal of becoming a self sufficient organisation that will no longer need to rely on charitable donations.
