Trustees Report 202312024 KWU SAJ Mukuju Saints
Mukujo Saints CIO - Trustees' Annual Report for 2023/2024
Charity Registration Number: 1202882
Registered Address: Apartment 272, 2 Kelso Place, M15 4GQ, Manchester
Website: www.mukujusaints.org
Email address: info@mukujusaints.org
I - Introduction
The Trustees of Mukujo Saints CIO are pleased to present their report for the year 2023/2024. This report outlines the charity's activities, achievements, and financial performance during the year, in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the regulations set by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
II - Objectives and Activities
Mukujo Saints CIO's core objective, as stated in our governing document (Constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation dated 28 February 2023), is: " The relief of extreme poverty conditions in Mukuju, Uganda”.
During the year, we pursued this objective through the following activities:
1 - Raising Awareness and Engagement through Social Media
A key focus of our activities this year was raising awareness of the critical needs in Mukuju, Uganda, and engaging a wider audience with our mission. We implemented a social media strategy across platforms including Facebook and Instagram, sharing compelling stories, photos, and videos that showcased the challenges faced by the community and the positive impact of our work. This involved creating engaging content such as food, health, and hygiene challenges, and actively interacting with our online community to build relationships and inspire support.
2 - Securing Funding through Crowdfunding Campaigns
To generate the necessary financial resources to support our projects in Mukuju, we launched two targeted crowdfunding campaigns on the GoFundMe website and also via Paypal donations. These campaigns were strategically designed to highlight specific projects, such as bringing electricity to the community, drilling a borehole, and a barn
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Trustees Report 2023/2024
construction (having an ongoing crowdfunding for repairing an existing latrine and building a new one), and clearly articulate the tangible difference that donations could make. We crafted our appeals to resonate with potential donors, emphasizing the urgent needs in Mukuju and the direct link between their contributions and positive change on the ground.
3 - Infrastructure Improvements at the Children's House
We undertook essential infrastructure improvements at the children's house, including the complete renovation of the roof and flooring. These repairs have created a safer and more comfortable living environment for the children, ensuring their well-being and protecting them from the elements. This stopped water from getting inside the house both from above and below.
4 - Community Health and Domestic Economy Education Programs
This year, a significant focus of our activities was promoting community well-being through two distinct education programs: Community Health and Domestic Economy. Due to logistical considerations, these programs were primarily delivered through video calls. For the Community Health program, we equipped our associate member in the field with the knowledge and resources necessary to educate the community on various health-related topics. Training included disease prevention measures, the ability to recognize potential health issues in children, and information on proper nutrition. For the Domestic Economy program, training focused on sustainable living practices, effective budget management, identifying community priorities, sustainable chicken farming, and creating food reserves for livestock. These comprehensive programs aimed to empower the community to take control of their health, well-being, and how to plan for future resources.
5 - Reactive Healthcare Support
We provided reactive healthcare support to community members by allocating funds for the purchase of prescribed medications for various illnesses diagnosed by local doctors, including common diseases such as malaria. This ensured that individuals had access to necessary treatments, alleviating suffering and promoting recovery.
In addition to a reactive healthcare support we took some preventative measures, providing mosquito nets and providing closed containers (jerricans and water drums) to prevent malaria.
6 - Food Security and Essential Needs
Guaranteeing food security for the entire community was a paramount concern. We achieved this primarily through direct donations from our generous supporters. In addition to food provisions, we also provided funds for essential everyday needs, such as plates, cups, cloths, mosquito nets, and firewood for cooking, ensuring that basic
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necessities were met. (These funds were not received by the charity but donated to the community directly).
11 - Electricity Infrastructure Development
During the year, we actively pursued the objective of bringing electricity infrastructure to the village. Our activities included measuring the distance that the electrical cables would need to run from the electrical central to the village, discussing and securing authorization from landowners to place electricity poles and run cables across their property (which we successfully obtained), and requesting budgets from various companies, both private and public. Unfortunately, the project did not proceed as planned due to several setbacks. We encountered issues with forged budgets and were concerned by requests for payments to private accounts rather than company accounts. While these challenges have temporarily halted progress, we remain committed to this project, recognizing its crucial importance to the community. We anticipate that securing reliable and trustworthy partners will be a significant challenge in the coming year, but we will continue to explore all available avenues to achieve this vital goal.
12 - Borehole Construction
We made significant efforts towards our objective of constructing a borehole in the village, initially planning to partner with an NGO (Mbale Boreholes) that offered significantly lower prices than other companies or organizations. We had made all the necessary arrangements and were prepared to begin the project. However, the NGO was unfortunately forced to suspend this activity due to the contractor's unforeseen health issues. This unexpected development left us without a viable, affordable option, as our existing budget was insufficient to engage another company for the project. While we were unable to proceed with the borehole construction this year, we remain dedicated to providing the community with access to clean water and will explore alternative funding sources and partnerships to overcome this setback in the coming year.
III. Achievements and Performance
During the year, Mukuju Saints CIO made significant progress towards its objective of relieving poverty in Mukuju, Uganda, despite facing some unexpected challenges. Our key achievements include:
1 - Increased Awareness and Engagement:
Our social media strategy, utilizing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, resulted in roughly 1000 followers. This increased visibility has helped us connect with potential donors and build a stronger base of support for our mission.
2 - Successful Crowdfunding Campaigns:
During the year, we successfully launched two crowdfunding campaigns on GoFundMe platform, generating a total of £3894. These funds were essential for our ongoing projects
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in Mukuju. While initially earmarked for the Electricity Infrastructure Development and Borehole construction, the funds were subsequently redirected to a barn project. This decision was made to safeguard the charity's financial resources considering unforeseen setbacks.
3 - Improved Living Conditions at the Children's House:
The complete renovation of the roof and flooring at the children's house has significantly improved the living conditions for the 41 children residing there. These repairs have created a safer, more comfortable, and healthier environment, protecting them from the elements and contributing to their overall well-being.
4 - Advancements in Community Health and Education:
Community Health and Domestic Economy Education Programs, implemented through our associate member in the field, has provided community members with vital information on disease prevention, child health, nutrition, and other essential topics. This education empowers them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, fostering greater self-reliance.
5 - Essential Healthcare Support Provided:
We were able to provide reactive healthcare support to 8 individuals by funding the purchase of prescribed medications for various illnesses, including malaria. This direct intervention has alleviated suffering and helped community members recover from illness, contributing to improved overall health within the community. (These funds were directly given to the community by the trustees themselves, not from the charity’s funds)
6 - Enhanced Food Security:
Through direct donations from trustees and non-official sponsors (connected to the charity but donating to the community directly not passing through the charity), we provided food provisions to the community, ensuring daily meals for over 100 individuals, including 44 from the Mukuju community and others from neighbouring areas. This support was especially vital during the rainy seasons, as hunting, gathering or cultivating become challenging. The trustees also paid directly to the community to acquire firewood essential for cooking.
7 - Progress Made on Electricity Infrastructure Development:
Despite encountering unforeseen challenges related to forged budgets and payment concerns, we made considerable progress towards bringing electricity to the village. We successfully secured land use authorizations, measured cable routes, and obtained
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budget proposals. We remain committed to this project and will continue to work to overcome these obstacles.
8 - Borehole Construction Project Delayed but Not Abandoned:
Our planned borehole construction project, initially intended to be carried out in partnership with an NGO, was unfortunately delayed due to unforeseen circumstances with the NGO's contractor’s health. While we were unable to complete the project this year, we remain dedicated to providing the community with access to clean water and will explore alternative solutions and funding opportunities to achieve this goal.
This report reflects both our successes and the challenges we faced. We are proud of the positive impact we have had on the lives of individuals in Mukuju and remain committed to continuing our work to alleviate poverty and improve their quality of life.
IV - Financial Review
1 – Income:
Our income for the financial year, totalling £3894 was generated exclusively from donations. Further details regarding income sources are provided in the accompanying financial statements (Appendix 1).
2 - Expenditure:
Our expenditure for the year totalled £756 covering:
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a) £45 to open a business/charity bank account with WISE
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b) £674 was invested in the children’s house infrastructure improvements
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c) £37 was spent on Bank Commissions
3 - Reserves
At the end of the financial year, our reserves stood at £3138 , which would be used for expanding our programs.
Note : All the expenses with food, medications, clothes, firewood for cooking purposes, other essentials and budget requests, have been assured by Trustees and other private donations directly to the community. The Charity administrative and operational expenses (website and email domain, media) are assured by the Trustees.
V - Governance and Structure
- 1 Trustees and Their Roles:
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a) Mukuju Saints is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The charity is governed by its trustees, who are its voting members. The trustees are responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the charity, ensuring it operates in accordance with its charitable object: the relief of extreme poverty conditons in Mukuju, Uganda . This is in line with the CIO's governing document dated 28th February 2023.
b) Each trustee is obligated to act in good faith and with reasonable care and skill, considering their individual knowledge and experience, as outlined in clause 9(1) of the governing document. The current trustees are João Eduardo Braz Pessoa, Rita Marisa da Silva Ferreira Rosa Henriques, and Martin Littleton. Their appointment terms are specified in clause 9(4).
c) Trustees are appointed for a term of five years, as per clause 10(1), Information regarding the current trustees can be found on the Charity Commission website, ensuring transparency and public accessibility.
d) In addition to the voting membership of the trustees, Mukuju Saints also has provisions for associate, non-voting members, as detailed in clause 17 of the governing document. These members may be appointed by the trustees, and have their rights and obligations determined by the trustees. These members do not have voting rights, and are not considered members for the purposes of the Charities Acts, General Regulations, or Dissolution Regulations.
2 Decision-Making:
a) Decisions are made by the voting members, the board of trustees, through meetings or written resolutions, as stipulated in clause 13 of the governing document. A quorum of two trustees is required for meetings, as per clause 15(3). Decisions are made by a majority vote, with the chair having a casting vote in case of a tie.
b) Certain decisions, such as amending the constitution or dissolving the CIO, require a 75% majority vote of the members (trustees) or unanimous written agreement, as detailed in clause 18.
c) The trustees may delegate powers to committees, ensuring at least one trustee is a member of each committee, as specified in clause 14 of the governing document.
d) General meetings of the members are called by the charity trustees, and are used to discharge business that must be completed by the members of the CIO. These meetings are called with 14 days notice, and follow the procedure listed in clause 19 of the governing document.
3 Risk Management:
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a) The trustees manage potential risks through adherence to the governing document's provisions. Clause 7 mandates the declaration and management of conflicts of interest, ensuring trustees act solely in the CIO's best interests. The definition of a 'connected person' in clause 30 is applied to identify potential conflicts, complying with Charity Commission guidance.
b) Clause 6 sets strict guidelines on benefits and payments to trustees and connected persons, minimizing the risk of financial impropriety. The trustees maintain detailed minutes of meetings and decisions, as required by clause 24, ensuring transparency and accountability, in line with best practices.
c) Financial controls are maintained in accordance with clause 25, which requires compliance with the Charities Act 2011 regarding accounting records, accounts, and annual reports. The trustees also adhere to the requirements for keeping and providing access to a register of members and charity trustees, as per clause 23, ensuring regulatory compliance.
d) The trustees will adhere to the policies regarding associate members, as detailed in clause 17, to ensure that those members are compliant with the charities policies. And that their roles, and responsibilities are clearly defined.
e) The trustees acknowledge and understand the interpretation clause, clause 30, and use those definitions when conducting the business of the CIO, ensuring consistency and adherence to the governing document.
VI - Public Benefit
Mukujo Saints CIO directly benefits the community and particularly the children in Mukuju, Uganda, by working to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions. Our activities are designed to address both immediate needs and create long-term opportunities for individuals and the community as a whole.
Specifically, our work provides public benefit in the following ways:
- 1 - Improved Living Conditions The infrastructure improvements at the house (roof and floor renovations) create a safer and more comfortable living environment for children. The provision of jerrycans and water drums enhances access to clean water, a fundamental necessity for health and well-being. The pursuit of electricity infrastructure and borehole construction, while facing setbacks, demonstrates our commitment to providing sustainable solutions to improve daily life in the village.
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2 Enhanced Health and Well-being
Our Community Health and Domestic Economy Education Programs, empowers individuals with knowledge about disease prevention, child health, nutrition, and budget management, contributing to improved health outcomes and greater selfreliance. The Reactive Healthcare Support, providing funds for prescribed medications, addresses immediate health crises and alleviates suffering.
3 Increased Food Security and Self-Sufficiency
Ensuring food security is a primary focus. Direct food provisions, coupled with the purchase of land for cultivation and the development of a livestock project (barn construction and initial chicken stock), contribute to both immediate and long-term food needs and create opportunities for sustainable income generation. The sweet potato plantation provides an existing food source while the livestock project has the potential to provide both food and income through the sale of chickens and eggs.
4 Community Empowerment
By equipping our volunteers in the field with the resources to educate the community and by actively engaging with community members in project planning we foster a sense of ownership and empower the community to take control of their own development.
5 Broader Impact Through Awareness
Our social media presence and crowdfunding campaigns not only raise funds but also educate a wider audience about the realities of poverty in Mukuju and the importance of supporting our mission. This broader awareness contributes to a greater understanding of global challenges and encourages charitable giving.
While some projects, like electricity and borehole construction, encountered setbacks, the work undertaken demonstrates our commitment to these objectives and the public benefit they will ultimately bring. We are actively working to overcome these challenges and remain dedicated to achieving our goals for the benefit of the Mukuju community.
VII - Volunteers
Mukujo Saints CIO deeply values the contributions of all our volunteers. Their dedication and hard work are essential to the success of our mission to relieve poverty in Mukuju. We were fortunate to have two dedicated volunteers on the ground in Uganda who provided invaluable service. They were instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of our programs, handling crucial tasks such as reporting on and assessing community needs, directly caring for the children by cooking meals, purchasing food and other essential items, monitoring their health,
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well-being, and education, and contributing to raising awareness of our work. Their commitment and on-the-ground presence were vital to our achievements during this period.
We are grateful for their continued dedication and look forward to their contributions in future projects and activities.
VIII – Future Plans
Mukujo Saints CIO has ambitious plans for the coming year, building on the progress made and addressing the challenges encountered in the previous period. Our focus will remain on alleviating poverty and improving living conditions in Mukuju through a combination of ongoing projects and new initiatives. Our key priorities for the next year include:
1 - Continuing to Meet Essential Needs:
We will maintain our unwavering commitment to covering the essential daily needs of the community. This includes ensuring consistent access to food, providing funds for basic necessities such as firewood for cooking, clothing, and hygiene products, and continuing to support reactive healthcare needs as they arise. We recognize that these essential provisions are crucial for immediate well-being and will continue to prioritize them alongside our long-term development goals.
2 - Working Towards Electricity Infrastructure Development:
Bringing electricity to the village remains a long-term goal. While we encountered significant challenges in the past year, we have not abandoned this objective. In the coming year, we will explore all available avenues to secure the necessary funding and identify reliable and trustworthy partners to execute this project effectively. We recognize the transformative potential of electricity for the community and will continue to pursue this goal, though its realization depends on overcoming significant obstacles.
3 - Exploring Options for Borehole Construction:
Providing access to clean water is a critical need, and constructing a borehole remains a priority. Following the disruption of our previous plans, we will actively investigate alternative solutions and funding opportunities for this project. We are committed to finding a viable path forward, but the timeline for achieving this goal is uncertain.
4 - Improving Sanitation Facilities:
Recognizing the importance of proper sanitation for health and well-being, we aim to build a new latrine and improve the existing one. This project will involve [mention specific planned activities, e.g., assessing the current sanitation needs, designing
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appropriate latrine facilities, securing construction materials, and engaging local labour.
5 - Enhancing Children's Comfort and Well-being:
We plan to purchase new goods to improve the comfort and well-being of the children at the children's house. This will include new mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets, clothing, educational materials, recreational items. We believe that providing a comfortable and nurturing environment is essential for their development.
6 - Land Acquisition for Future Sustainability
We have identified a plot of land adjacent to the children's house, complete with a sweet potato plantation, as a potential acquisition. We believe this land represents a significant investment in the community's future and will provide both an immediate source of food and the potential for long-term income generation, promoting selfsufficiency. We are currently exploring funding options to complete the purchase.
7 - Planned Livestock Project
We plan to launch a livestock program on the land adjacent to the children's house. This initiative will involve the construction of a barn, designed to accommodate both an initial stock of chickens and, in the future, goats. We anticipate this project will provide the community with a sustainable source of food and income through the sale of chickens and eggs, further contributing to their food security and economic empowerment. We are currently seeking funding for the barn construction and initial stock purchase.
These plans represent our ongoing commitment to the people of Mukuju. We will dedicate our efforts to securing the necessary funding, building local capacity, and fostering strong partnerships to achieve these goals. While the electricity and borehole projects present significant challenges, we will continue to explore all viable options and remain hopeful that we can bring these vital improvements to the community. We are confident that these initiatives, combined with our ongoing support for essential needs, will make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
IX - Declaration
We, João Eduardo Braz Pessoa, Rita Marisa da Silva Ferreira Rosa Henriques. and Martin Littleton, the Trustees of Mukuju Saints CIO, declare that we have approved the above report and confirm that it gives a true and fair view of the charity's affairs.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
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Trustees Report 2023/2024
João Eduardo Braz Pessoa
Rita Marisa da Silva Ferreira Rosa Henriques
23/02/2025
Appendix 1
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended
Balance Sheet as at 20/02/2025
| Income from | Amount |
|---|---|
| Donatons (Crowdfunding and other private donatons) |
£3894 |
| Total income | £3894 |
| Expenditure on | Amount |
|---|---|
| Expenses to open a business/charity bank account with WISE |
£45 |
| House infrastructure improvements | £674 |
| bank commissions | £37 |
| Total Expenditure | £756 |
Current assets:
Financial Assets Cash at bank and in hand £3138 Total £3138
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