Distance
Children completing primary school had to travel outside the sub-county to continue their education.
About the Foundation
A history we must never forget.
Our past is not where the story ends. It is the reason we act—turning memory into education, dignity and opportunity.
How we began
Born from memory. Built for possibility
The Asaba Memorial Education Foundation (AMEF) was established in January 2026 by community members who saw the challenges facing children and young people in underserved communities and believed in the power of communities to create meaningful change.
AMEF grew from a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to learn, develop their potential and build a better future, regardless of their background.
As a grassroots, community-centred organisation, AMEF was created from within the community, with a commitment to listen to local needs, work alongside communities and support practical solutions that respond to their priorities.
AMEF was established in memory of Abwooli Asaba Mary, who passed away on 21 March 2022 after living with diabetes for many years. Her memory continues to inspire the Foundation’s commitment to education, empowerment, health, improved livelihoods and sustainable community development.
We are part of the community. We understand the challenges, and we work with communities to create our own solutions.
Who we are today
Rooted in community. Focused on sustainable development.
Established in 2026, the Asaba Memorial Education Foundation (AMEF) is a grassroots, community-centred organisation working in Kiruli Sub-County and Masindi District. AMEF is a registered Community-Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda under Registration No. CBS/293/2026.
Uganda continues to face significant barriers to education and child wellbeing. According to UNICEF (2024), an average of 67.6% of primary learners (P1-P7) and 72.9% of secondary learners (S1-S6) were over-age for their class due to delayed enrolment and grade repetition. UNICEF also reported that 6.2 million children aged 5-17 (39.5%) were involved in child labour.
In Kiruli, these challenges are reflected in school dropout, teenage pregnancy and children becoming involved in agricultural work, including sugarcane and maize farming, instead of being in school. The sub-county has more than 10 primary schools, including four government primary schools, but historically had no secondary school, making it difficult for many children to continue their education.
AMEF is responding by bringing opportunities closer to the community. We established Asaba Memorial High School (AMHS) to expand access to secondary education and Sifa Skilling Hub (SSH) to provide practical vocational skills and livelihood opportunities for young people and women.
Our work focuses on education, skills development, health and HIV/AIDS awareness, child protection and community empowerment. Through these areas, we work with communities and partners to strengthen knowledge, practical skills and opportunities, contributing to stronger, healthier, skilled and self-reliant communities.
Nothing for communities without communities. Local people are not just beneficiaries. They are leaders, innovators and changemakers.
The reality we faced
For an entire community, secondary school was out of reach.
Before AMEF established Asaba Memorial High School, Kiruli Sub-County had no secondary school. Children who completed primary education had to look beyond their own community to continue their studies.
Cost
For many families, transport and other costs made secondary education difficult to afford.
Vulnerability
School dropout, child marriage, child labour and other social and economic pressures put many children and young people at risk of losing opportunities.
Limited Opportunities
Young people also had limited access to practical vocational skills and livelihood opportunities, making it harder to transition from education into employment or self-reliance.
Our history
A History We Must Never Forget
The Asaba Memorial Education Foundation (AMEF) was founded by Bienvenu Byamungu with a vision to give hope to young people who had lost hope of accessing secondary education. Having witnessed the challenges faced by children in underserved communities, he believed that every child deserves an opportunity to learn, develop their potential, and build a better future regardless of their background.
AMEF was established in memory of Abwooli Asaba Mary, who passed away on 21 March 2022 after suffering from diabetes for so many years. Her memory continues to inspire the Foundation’s commitment to education, empowerment, health, improved livelihoods, and sustainable community development.
One history we must never forget is that the entire Kiruli Sub-county had never had a secondary school until AMEF established Asaba Memorial High School (AMHS) in February 2026. For many years, children who completed primary education had to travel long distances to access secondary education. Many families could not afford to send their children far from home, contributing to a high rate of school dropout, particularly among girls and vulnerable children. Child marriage, HIV/AIDS, unemployment, and poverty are also serious challenges affecting the community and limiting opportunities for young people and families.
AMEF established AMHS to change this reality by bringing quality secondary education closer to the community. The school provides academic education together with practical skills, leadership development, ICT, entrepreneurship, and other opportunities that prepare students for their future.
Beyond education, AMEF is committed to improving the lives of children, youth, and women through skills development, economic empowerment, HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness, access to clean water and sanitation, health initiatives, and improved livelihoods. Through Sifa Skilling Hub (SSH), AMEF provides vocational training to youth and women, equipping them with practical skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, and the knowledge needed to become self-reliant and improve their livelihoods.
The school officially launched on 17 July 2026, marking an important milestone in AMEF’s journey. The Area Member of Parliament for Buruli attended as the Guest of Honour, while Rev. Fr. George Onor of Our Lady of Assumption Kyatiri Catholic Parish led the Holy Mass and prayers, giving thanks to God and blessing the school, its students, staff, and future.
Our story is not only about remembering the past. It is about turning remembrance into action, turning hopelessness into hope, and creating opportunities for generations to come.
AMEF Team
Our Team
Meet the people leading AMEF’s programmes, operations and community impact.
Founder
Our Management Team
Bienvenu Byamungu is a passionate refugee leader, humanitarian practitioner and community development advocate with more than 12 years of organisational leadership experience and over 20 years of experience in community development in Uganda. He has extensive experience in humanitarian response, supporting vulnerable communities and leading locally led, community-driven development initiatives that create lasting impact.
In 2007, at the age of 17, Bienvenu founded Planning for Tomorrow (P4T), a refugee-led organisation established in response to the humanitarian challenges facing refugees in Uganda. As P4T Founder and Global Director, he has led P4T’s growth into a recognised humanitarian organisation that has positively impacted more than 500,000 refugees and host-community members in Uganda. Learn about Bienvenu’s work at P4T on p4tglobal.org.
Bienvenu is also the Founder and Team Leader of Build Church Africa, a missionary organisation supporting unreached, poor and underserved churches through church infrastructure development and community outreach initiatives in Uganda.
He is also the Founder of Asaba Memorial Education Foundation (AMEF), established to expand access to quality education and create opportunities for vulnerable children and young people in Masindi District, Uganda. Through AMEF, he established Asaba Memorial High School, the first secondary school in Kiruli Sub-county, providing young people with access to secondary education and practical skills.
Bienvenu’s work is driven by a strong belief in locally led solutions, education, empowerment and community transformation. Through his leadership, he continues to advocate for children, youth, women, refugees and underserved communities, working with partners to create sustainable opportunities and lasting change.
Belinga Michael is a technology, cybersecurity, operations and organisational management professional with over 10 years of experience in technical engineering, software development, customer service, operations, leadership and organisational management. He also has practical experience in education management and community development.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Makerere University and a Certificate in Cybersecurity. Michael spent more than a decade with ENGIE Energy Access / Fenix International, progressing through various technical and operational roles to become a Senior Customer Service Engineer. He also gained valuable public-sector experience with the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda.
Michael has extensive experience in organisational leadership, strategic planning, team management, institutional development, stakeholder engagement, partnerships and resource mobilisation. His experience in education management includes serving as School Manager at Asaba Memorial High School (AMHS), where he supported school administration, operations, staff coordination and institutional development.
Michael played an important role in the establishment and development of Asaba Memorial High School, the first secondary school established in Kiruli Sub-County, helping bring secondary education closer to children and families in an underserved community. Through his involvement in the school’s development, he gained practical experience in education management, school operations, community engagement and institutional development.
He has also used his computer and technology knowledge to support teaching and learning. Through his involvement in education, Michael has taught students computer skills and introduced them to practical uses of technology to support their learning. He believes that access to computers and digital skills can improve students’ research, independent learning, confidence, academic performance and overall education outcomes, particularly for students from communities with limited access to technology.
As Executive Director of AMEF, Michael provides strategic leadership and oversees the Foundation’s programmes, partnerships, operations, organisational development and resource mobilisation efforts. He works to strengthen relationships with donors and development partners and supports sustainable initiatives in education, health, livelihoods, youth empowerment, skills development and community development.
Michael is particularly passionate about using technology to bring opportunities closer to underserved and low-income communities. He promotes digital literacy, computer skills and technology-based learning for young people who have limited access to technology. He also seeks to strengthen AMEF’s work through digital learning, data management, communication, innovation and technology-based partnerships.
His commitment to community development is reflected in his work to create practical opportunities for children, young people and families through education, skills development, technology and entrepreneurship. He believes that combining quality education, practical skills and technology can help young people improve their future prospects, become economically independent and contribute to stronger communities.
Michael is also committed to building strong relationships with donors, development partners, government institutions and community stakeholders to mobilise resources and expand AMEF’s programmes and impact.
His vision is to bridge the digital divide, strengthen education and community systems, equip young people with practical skills, and create pathways to education, employment and entrepreneurship in underserved communities.
“My goal is to use my knowledge, skills and experience to empower people, strengthen communities and build partnerships that create sustainable opportunities.”
Kato Davis is a Ugandan organisational leader, technology entrepreneur, engineering and development professional with experience in programme development, organisational management, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, research and field operations. His professional journey is driven by a passion for leadership, innovation, institutional growth and developing practical systems that turn ideas into sustainable results.
Kato currently serves as Programs Manager at Asaba Memorial Education Foundation (AMEF), where he is involved in programme development, planning, proposal development, resource mobilisation, implementation coordination, partnerships and strengthening organisational systems. He works to translate AMEF’s vision and priorities into practical programmes that respond to the needs of underserved communities.
His leadership experience was significantly shaped while serving as Church Administrator at Ebenezer Rural Ministries Uganda Ltd from 2021 to 2024. During this period, he supported the coordination of operations and helped strengthen administrative systems and linkages between satellite churches and their mainstream mother branches across the Bunyoro Sub-region and parts of Central Uganda. This experience strengthened his skills in coordination, communication, accountability, leadership and institutional management.
Kato is also the Founder and Managing Director of Davison Digital Consults (U) Ltd, where he uses technology and entrepreneurial approaches to support SMEs and organisations in areas including registration, compliance, digitalisation, operational management and sustainable growth.
He has also worked as a GPS Field Officer with Watu Credit (U) Ltd, where he spearheaded technology-enabled field operations across Hoima, Masindi, Kiryandongo, Nakasongola, Luwero and Nakaseke Districts. His wider technical experience includes electrical installation and maintenance, systems troubleshooting, asset tracking and field technology.
Kato holds a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management from Nkumba University and a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Uganda Technical College – Lira. He also has about ten years of experience in academic and research writing, from 2016 to 2026, across different fields. This has strengthened his abilities in research, critical analysis, proposal development, professional writing and strategic communication.
At AMEF, Kato is committed to developing programmes that respond to real community needs, strengthening partnerships and helping turn ideas into practical action. He believes that effective programmes require good planning, capable people, strong systems, accountability and meaningful community participation.
Across his professional journey, Kato has remained committed to building effective organisations, empowering people, embracing innovation and using technology and strong systems to solve practical challenges. “Leadership is about creating direction, building systems, empowering people, and turning a shared vision into organised action.”
Sylivia Nganjani is a finance and administration professional with extensive experience in financial management, budgeting, administration and organisational operations. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration – Accounting from Uganda Christian University, complemented by a Diploma in Business Administration and Management and a Certificate in Catering and Hotel Management.
Sylivia currently serves as the Finance Manager at Asaba Memorial Education Foundation (AMEF), where she provides leadership in financial management, budgeting, financial reporting, expenditure control and administrative systems. She is responsible for ensuring that AMEF’s financial resources are managed efficiently, transparently and accountably, while supporting the organisation’s programmes and growth.
Before joining AMEF, Sylivia served as a Finance and Administration Officer at Shines Children’s Foundation, where she managed financial reporting, budget monitoring, transactions, asset management, records and operational support.
She previously worked with Children’s Learning and Development Centre and Water Compass, gaining experience in project finance, budget monitoring, bank reconciliations, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, petty cash management, QuickBooks accounting, procurement support and field operations.
Earlier in her career, Sylivia worked in the hospitality industry, progressing from waitress and cashier to Front Office Manager at New Court View Hotel. She also began her professional career as a Records Clerk with Continental Tobacco, developing valuable skills in records management, reporting, data accuracy and administration.
Sylivia is recognised for her integrity, analytical skills, accountability and commitment to sound financial management. She brings to AMEF a strong combination of financial expertise, administrative experience and people-centred leadership.
Alijuna Muhamadi was born in Masindi District in 1986. He is an experienced professional with a career spanning education, school leadership, healthcare management, civil service and human resource management.
Alijuna completed his primary education at Kilanyi Muslim Primary School, secondary education at Excel High School, Masindi, and later attended Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts in Social Sciences, majoring in Political Science and Psychology. His academic training also covers Human Resource Management, Development Administration, Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Personnel Management, Refugee Studies, Social Psychology, Community Psychology and Personality Psychology. While at university, Alijuna was a Guild Presidential Candidate.
Alijuna began his career in education, teaching at Excel Boarding School, Crest High School and Texas Education Center from 2010 to 2014. He later served as Headteacher of Crest High School from 2015 to 2016, providing leadership in school administration, staff supervision, academic coordination and student welfare.
He subsequently served as Chief Executive Officer of Go Down Medical Centre, a private, for-profit medical facility in Bweyale Town Council, Kiryandongo District. This position strengthened his experience in organisational leadership, staff management, administration and operational oversight.
Today, he serves as the Human Resource Manager at Asaba Memorial Education Foundation (AMEF). He is responsible for supporting effective human resource systems, staff recruitment and management, performance development, staff welfare and organisational effectiveness.
With experience across different sectors, Alijuna brings strong leadership, people management and organisational skills to AMEF. He is committed to building strong teams and creating a positive working environment that enables AMEF to deliver meaningful and sustainable impact in underserved communities.
Fred Byonabye is an educationist, philanthropist and education investor with more than 20 years of experience in education investment, school management and human capital development. Through his work, he has contributed significantly to education, human resource development and socio-economic transformation in Western Uganda and the Bunyoro region.
Fred began his education journey by founding Excel High School, Masindi, in 1998, followed by Excel Boarding School in 2001. He later founded Crest High School in 2010, which subsequently became Victory High School, Masindi. He also served on the board of Excel High School Limited, an education investment and management company in the Bunyoro region.
Beyond establishing and managing educational institutions, Fred has become a respected voice in education. He is regularly invited to education forums, schools and community events to provide mentorship, career guidance and leadership to students and education professionals. He has also supported schools in developing and strengthening internal management systems.
Fred currently serves as the Education Manager at Asaba Memorial Education Foundation (AMEF). In this role, he supports the development of AMEF’s education programmes, provides guidance to AMEF schools on educational quality and school management, and contributes to initiatives that expand learning opportunities for children and young people.
His extensive experience in education investment and management provides AMEF with valuable expertise in school leadership, teacher development, student mentorship and educational programme development.
Fred’s passion is improving the quality of human life through skills development, education and human capital development. He believes that investing in people—particularly young people—is one of the most effective ways to create lasting social and economic transformation.
Fred is an alumnus of Makerere University, Kampala, where he specialised in Psychology and History. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree from Makerere University.
Born on 24 June 1971, Fred is a family man and a father. He is guided by strong Christian values while embracing and respecting people regardless of their religious background or beliefs.
Through more than two decades of commitment to education, Fred continues to believe that investing in education is investing in people, communities and Uganda’s future.
Najjingo Brenda Linda is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with a strong foundation in procurement, operations and data management. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Makerere University and brings practical experience in procurement processes, vendor coordination, data management and process improvement.
Linda completed her Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) and Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) at Our Lady of Good Counsel Senior Secondary School, Gayaza. She has also strengthened her professional skills through practical training in procurement and supply chain management.
She served as a Procurement Officer Intern at Rakai Health Sciences Program from May to July 2025, where she processed more than 30 purchase requests per month, coordinated with multiple vendors, developed a digital filing system that improved record accuracy, and supported monthly stock reconciliation.
From December 2023 to February 2024, Linda worked with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) as an Exam Checker, Adjudicator and Scrutineer. In this role, she marked and verified examination scripts while maintaining strict confidentiality, accuracy and quality-control standards.
Linda has strong skills in procurement and purchase order processing, vendor management, inventory control, Excel data analysis and reporting, document digitisation, process improvement, teamwork and deadline management under pressure.
In her role as Livelihood Manager at AMEF, Linda supports the development and implementation of livelihood programmes aimed at creating skills, employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable income-generating opportunities for women, young people and underserved communities. She contributes to practical initiatives that help individuals strengthen their economic resilience and improve their livelihoods.
Her background in procurement and operations also supports AMEF in promoting efficient resource use, accountability, planning and effective programme implementation.
Linda is passionate about continuous learning, solving operational challenges and creating practical opportunities that contribute to sustainable community development. She brings a proactive, organised and collaborative approach to her work and is committed to supporting AMEF’s mission of empowering communities through education, livelihoods, health, child protection and other sustainable development initiatives.
Oyergiu Stephen is a dedicated scholar, community leader and development professional with a strong commitment to community development, leadership and social transformation.
He attended Bwijanga Secondary School, Masindi, where he completed his Advanced Level (A-Level) education with outstanding academic results. His excellent performance earned him a Government of Uganda scholarship to pursue university education.
From 2023 to 2026, Stephen pursued his university education at Makerere University, Kampala, within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science. His academic training equipped him with strong analytical, research, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deeper understanding of society, culture and human relationships.
Beyond academics, Stephen has been actively involved in student leadership and community engagement. In 2025, he served as a Speaker for the Greater Nebbi Makerere Students Association (NEMSA), representing and engaging fellow students from the Nebbi sub-region. Through this role, he promoted academic excellence, leadership, unity and student participation.
Stephen currently serves as the Project Development Manager at AMEF, where he contributes to the development and coordination of projects aimed at creating meaningful opportunities for children, young people and underserved communities.
He brings to AMEF a combination of academic excellence, leadership experience, community engagement and a strong passion for development.
Joanita Nanyonjo is an experienced programme and development professional with over 15 years of experience in humanitarian and development settings, with extensive experience working with refugee and host communities in Uganda.
From December 2018 to June 2025, Joanita served as a Senior Programme Assistant with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Adjumani, Uganda. During her time with UNHCR, she supported programme planning, budget and grants management, partnership management, monitoring and evaluation, risk management and coordination with government authorities, NGOs and other development partners. She managed and supported a portfolio of more than 20 NGO partners.
From July 2007 to October 2018, Joanita served as a Youth Coordinator with the Finnish Refugee Council in Kyangwali and Nakivale refugee settlements. She led youth-focused programmes covering education, livelihoods, health, leadership, protection and community engagement, working closely with refugee leaders, government authorities, NGOs, UN agencies and community-based organisations.
Joanita also brings extensive experience in training, mentoring, capacity building, programme quality, data analysis, reporting and strategic coordination. Her work across diverse communities has strengthened her ability to develop practical, community-centred programmes and build effective partnerships.
As AMEF's Technical Development Manager – Programmes & Partnerships, Joanita provides technical leadership in strengthening the design, quality and delivery of AMEF's programmes. She leads efforts to build and maintain strategic partnerships with donors, NGOs, government institutions and other development stakeholders, supporting AMEF's growth and long-term impact.
She contributes to programme development, partnership engagement, capacity strengthening, resource mobilisation and programme performance monitoring, helping AMEF deliver sustainable, community-responsive initiatives that create lasting opportunities and change.
“I believe sustainable change begins when communities are listened to, empowered and given the opportunity to shape solutions that affect their lives.”