Author Archives: Ian Ssebulime

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.

Every donation to PAPIRUDEI goes directly to people who need it most — families in rural Uganda who lack access to basic healthcare, education, and clean water.

Here is exactly what your donation does:

$15 sponsors one child through our education program for a full month, covering school fees, materials, and support.

$50 funds one girl through our Code Queens digital training program, giving her skills for the modern economy.

$100 supplies a school with hygiene and sanitation materials through our WASH program.

$500 funds critical medical equipment for Padre Pio Hospital-Butozi, directly benefiting patients who have no other healthcare options.

$1,000 covers one month of operational support for a community health program in Masaka Diocese.

Any amount makes a real difference. We have raised $240,000 since 2010 — and every single dollar has gone to work in rural Uganda.

To donate, visit papirudei.org/donate. You can give by credit card, mobile money, or bank transfer. All donations receive a receipt and are used transparently for our programs.

PAPIRUDEI is registered in Uganda and operates with full transparency and accountability. We publish impact reports and welcome questions from donors.

Thank you for your generosity. Together, we are transforming lives.

Since 2010, PAPIRUDEI has worked to transform lives in rural Uganda. Here is our 2025 impact report.

346 families reached across Kyotera, Masaka, Lwengo, and Rakai Districts. Over 1,000 patients served annually at Padre Pio Hospital-Butozi. More than 500 children sponsored through our Education and Sponsorship Program. 47 children currently on our waiting list – $15 per month sponsors one child. 23 dedicated volunteers serving across four districts. $240,000 USD raised from generous donors since 2010.

Padre Pio Hospital-Butozi now serves over 1,000 patients annually in rural Masaka Diocese. Our equipment fundraising has reached 10 percent of the $370,000 goal. Every dollar funds life-saving medical equipment for real patients who have no other options.

Our Sponsor a Dream program has placed over 500 children in school – but 47 more children are on the waiting list today. Just $15 sponsors one child for a full month. That is less than a meal at a restaurant – but it changes a child life completely.

Code Queens teaches digital skills to adolescent girls in rural Uganda. With Uganda digital economy growing fast, girls in rural areas risk being left behind. $50 funds one complete training program. Help us close the digital gender gap.

Our WASH program has delivered clean water and sanitation facilities to schools across Kyotera and Masaka Districts, reducing disease and improving attendance.

Thank you to our partners: Project Cure, Salutem Health Uganda, Buganda Kingdom, Centenary Bank, and the Catholic Diocese of Masaka. In 2026, we aim to fully equip Padre Pio Hospital, clear our waiting list, expand Code Queens, and reach 500 more families. Donate at papirudei.org/donate and be part of the story.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of one of our beloved Founding Director and Executive Director, Dr. John Bosco Spire Kiggundu, who went to be with the Lord in June 2025.

Dr. Kiggundu was a visionary leader whose life was devoted to serving the vulnerable and uplifting communities. He dreamt of a society where access to healthcare, education, and opportunities was a reality for all. Through his tireless efforts, he co-founded PAPIRUDEI, a beacon of hope in the Greater Masaka Region, and spearheaded the construction of Padre Pio Hospital–Butozi, a facility that stands today as a testament to his dream of quality, accessible healthcare for over 250,000 people.

His initiatives transformed lives, offering care, education, and empowerment to countless women, children, youth, and the elderly. Dr. Kiggundu’s legacy is not just in the institutions he built, but in the lives he touched, the hope he inspired, and the vision he shared for a better future.

As we mourn his loss, we also commit to carrying forward his mission. Dr. Julius Luyimbaazi will now take on the role of Executive Director, ensuring that Dr. Kiggundu’s dreams continue to flourish and that his vision for PAPIRUDEI and Padre Pio Hospital lives on.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us all. 🕊️