In 2010, a simple but powerful idea took root in the Catholic Diocese of Masaka, Uganda: that every family in rural Uganda deserves access to healthcare and education, regardless of how far they live from a city or how little money they have.

That idea became PAPIRUDEI — the Padre Pio Rural Development Initiative.

Fifteen years later, we are still here. And the communities we serve are stronger for it.

WHO WE SERVE

PAPIRUDEI operates in some of Uganda most underserved rural districts: Kyotera, Masaka, Lwengo, Rakai, and surrounding communities in the Catholic Diocese of Masaka. These are places where families may walk hours to reach a clinic, where school fees are an impossible burden, and where a single drought or illness can push a family into deeper poverty.

We work here because this is where the need is greatest.

WHAT WE DO

Health Systems Strengthening: Our flagship project is Padre Pio Hospital-Butozi, which serves over 1,000 patients annually. We fund medical equipment, support staff, and work to make this hospital a fully functioning center of care for the region. We are 10 percent of the way to our $370,000 equipment goal — and we need your help to go further.

Education and Sponsorship: Over 500 children have been sponsored through our program since 2010. We cover school fees, provide learning materials, and support families so that children can stay in school. Today, 47 children are on our waiting list. $15 per month sponsors one child.

Code Queens: A program specifically for adolescent girls, Code Queens teaches computer literacy and digital skills. In a rapidly digitalizing economy, these skills open doors to employment and entrepreneurship that would otherwise be closed.

WASH: Our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene program has brought clean water and sanitation facilities to schools across Kyotera and Masaka Districts, reducing waterborne disease and improving attendance.

Community Development: We support livelihoods, strengthen local leadership, and work with communities to identify and address their own priorities.

OUR PARTNERS

We could not do this work without the support of our partners: Project Cure, Salutem Health Uganda, BBS Terefayina, Buganda Kingdom, Centenary Bank, 8xmille Chiesa Cattolica, and the Chiesa Cattolica Italiana.

JOIN US

Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply share our story — you are part of this mission. Visit papirudei.org to learn more and get involved.