Restoring Not Just Buildings, But Dignity and Hope to a Whole Community
After a devastating fire followed by a powerful tornado, the village of Kalangala on Ssese Island, Uganda was left in crisis. From this devastation, an inspiring story of resilience, partnership, and renewal has emerged.
At Sponsorship Network, we believe in standing by communities during their toughest moments. That’s why we launched a focused initiative to rebuild the school in Kalangala, restore critical infrastructure, and improve access to sanitation—laying the foundation for a healthier and more hopeful future.
We believe in standing by communities during their toughest moments. That’s why we launched a focused initiative to rebuild the school in Kalangala, restore critical infrastructure, and improve access to sanitation—laying the foundation for a healthier and more hopeful future.
Where is Kalangala?
Kalangala is the main township on Ssese Island, a remote archipelago of 84 islands scattered across the northwestern part of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second-largest freshwater body.
While the islands boast lush scenery and biodiversity, they remain among the most underserved regions in Uganda in terms of infrastructure, especially in rural education, healthcare, and sanitation. Projects like ours aim to change that.
School Reconstruction
The reconstruction of the UPENDO village school marks a major milestone in SNI’s grassroots development work. With new classrooms built from the ground up, students now have a safe, stable place to learn, grow, and dream again.
Education isn’t just about books—it’s also about wellbeing. That’s why the project also included:
A fully equipped kitchen facility to provide daily hot meals
Upgraded plumbing systems to support proper hygiene
Most importantly, five brand-new toilets, solving a long-standing crisis in the village

Tackling the Sanitation Crisis on Ssese Island
Before the rebuild, over 500 people in Kalangala were sharing a single public toilet. With no safe or private alternatives, poor sanitation put children and families at constant risk of waterborne illness.
This is not unique to Kalangala. According to UNICEF Uganda, over 22 million Ugandans still lack access to basic sanitation services. That’s why our work on Ssese Island is more than a local fix—it’s part of a much larger need.
SNI’s support led to the construction of five hygienic toilets for the school, giving students dignity, safety, and a healthier start to each day.
A Community-Driven Effort
Rebuilding after disaster takes more than funding—it takes heart. This project was made possible by:
Local community members who joined the reconstruction work
Dedicated volunteers and field partners
The generosity of donors who believe in long-term impact
Throughout the process, children watched their village come back to life, and parents regained hope that their children’s futures were back on track.

Progress in Pictures: See the Transformation
We’ve documented every step of the journey—from the first clearing of rubble to the final coat of paint. The smiles of the children, the proud faces of builders. For the remarkable before-and-after shots to tell the story better than words can is still to come, as our team is heading to Uganda next week to personally open the new school and help hands on with a medical camp organized by our local partners.
Why This Project Matters
This is more than a story of rebuilding—it’s a story of resilience, of dignity restored, and of futures reclaimed. The Kalangala school reconstruction project represents everything SNI stands for: community-led, sustainable, and compassionate development.
Get Involved
We’re not done yet. As the school continues to grow and serve more children, we invite you to join us. Whether through donations for school lunches, partnerships, or volunteering opportunities, your support fuels this mission.