“A young person leaving detention may need counselling, family support, education or vocational skills. A survivor of violence may need protection, psychosocial support and access to justice. A vulnerable family may need livelihood opportunities alongside essential services.”
WHO WE ARE
Justice, care and empowerment — held together
Happy Care Foundation was established in Uganda in 2023, in response to the challenges faced by vulnerable people who often struggle to access legal protection, social support and the chance to rebuild their lives. We are legally registered as a Ugandan non-governmental organization under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act.
Our founding commitment centred on people in conflict with the law, women survivors of violence, young people and older persons who may lack access to legal protection and social support. But we came to understand that justice is rarely achieved through legal assistance alone.
That understanding is what shaped our approach. Today we bring together justice, mental health support, rehabilitation, reintegration, empowerment and community action as interconnected parts of one effort — not simply to respond to immediate problems, but to help people move from vulnerability toward dignity, resilience and opportunity.
WHAT WE DO
Six ways we turn support into a pathway
Our programs respond to immediate needs while addressing the underlying challenges that keep people vulnerable.
Access to justice
Free legal assistance for people who might otherwise struggle to reach it because of financial
or social barriers — legal advice, representation, court support and accompaniment, counselling,
bail applications, plea bargaining and post-trial support.
Mental health & psychosocial support
Legal and social hardship carries real emotional weight. We offer trauma-informed counselling,
group therapy, psychosocial support, referrals and mental-health awareness.
Rehabilitation & skills development
Life-skills training, literacy, vocational skills and behavior-change programs — alongside sport,
music, dance and drama — that build the confidence to make positive choices.
Resettlement & reintegration
Returning to community after detention or exclusion is rarely simple. We provide community
sensitization, livelihood support, mentorship, job placement and startup support.
Protection & community awareness
Raising awareness of legal rights, juvenile justice, mental health, protection and equality,
while working with communities to strengthen systems of support.
Advocacy & systems change
Promoting approaches to justice and social support that protect human rights, strengthen
accountability and open real pathways to rehabilitation and reintegration.
WHO WE SERVE
Putting vulnerable people at the center
Our Constitution identifies the following among those we seek to serve, without
discrimination:
OUR VISION
A just and inclusive Uganda where every juvenile offender, young person, woman, older person, and vulnerable community member has access to protection, justice, wellbeing, and the opportunity to build a meaningful life.
Grounded in our constitutional commitment to justice, inclusion,
protection and meaningful opportunity for vulnerable people.
OUR MISSION
To deliver free and timely legal services, trauma-informed mental-health support, education, protection, rehabilitation, livelihood empowerment and reintegration programs.
Supporting sustainable recovery, dignity, resilience and meaningful participation in society for people in conflict with the law and other vulnerable groups.
OUR VALUES
The principles behind our work
More than statements on a page — these guide how we work with beneficiaries,
communities, staff, volunteers, partners and institutions.
Compassion
We treat every person with understanding, dignity and respect.
Justice
Everyone deserves legal protection and fair treatment, regardless of financial circumstance or social status.
Inclusion
We work to remove the barriers that keep people from opportunities, services and protection.
Integrity
We act honestly, responsibly and ethically in our programs, partnerships and use of resources.
Empowerment
We help people build skills, confidence, independence and pathways toward sustainable recovery.
Protection
Safety, safeguarding and the prevention of harm sit at the center of our work.
Collaboration
Lasting change requires cooperation among communities, government, civil society, institutions and partners.
HOW WE WORK
People-centered, community-based, accountable
We treat the people we work with as participants in their own recovery — not simply beneficiaries.
Our approach follows a consistent cycle.
Listen
Understand the circumstances, priorities and aspirations of those we serve.
Respond
Provide practical support that answers identified needs.
Empower
Build skills, confidence, knowledge and independence.
Connect
Work with families, communities, government and civil society.
Learn
Monitor our work and use evidence to improve.
Our Constitution provides for a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning framework, responsible
data management, annual reporting and feedback mechanisms for beneficiaries and stakeholders.
OUR GOVERNANCE
Strong governance, responsible leadership
Public trust is essential to effective nonprofit work. Our structure is designed to provide oversight,
accountability and responsible management of the Foundation’s resources.
General Assembly
The highest decision-making body — elects the Board, approves plans,
budgets, and reviews financial reports.
Board of Directors
Seven members including: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary
and Treasurer — responsible for policy direction, financial oversight and
appointing executive leadership.
Executive Management
Led by the Executive Director, with program and finance administration
leadership managing day-to-day operations.
OUR TEAM
People behind the mission
Leadership, program, legal, mental-health, rehabilitation, administration and support
functions work together to deliver our programs.
Executive DirectorAchilles SsekibaamuOverall leadership and day-to-day management, under Board oversight. |
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OUR IMPACT
Every intervention represents a life transformed
and a community strengthened
Our impact is measured not only by the number of people reached, but by improved
safety, access to justice, emotional recovery, family reunification, education, employment, and community participation.
WHY OUR WORK MATTERS
Hope compounds when it’s shared
Communities flourish when people have equal access to justice, quality education, healthcare, and sustainable opportunities. Every contribution strengthens hope and creates lasting change for future generations.
Together We Can Build Hope
We welcome collaboration with government agencies, civil-society organizations, legal professionals,
health providers, development partners, community leaders, volunteers, donors, and
responsible institutions. Whether you need support, want to contribute to someone’s recovery, or want to
work with us — there is a place for you.