From Then to Now: Our Story

In 2001, a colleague showed me a photo of a group of smiling children. Something in their faces called to me. Without knowing exactly where “there” was, I said, I’m going there, wherever they are. Three months later, I arrived in Uganda—I felt, deeply and instantly, at home. 

I initially worked with and supported a Ugandan couple’s dream of building a school for orphaned children, some of whom were in the photo that called me. That first trip changed the trajectory of my life. What began as a visit became my life’s purpose. Over the past 24 years, I’ve followed the spirit of service—meeting children and families, forming lifelong bonds, and building a family with children whose own families had been fractured. In a completely unplanned and organic manner I became a mother and then a grandmother to many. That journey began with Jackie, Robert, Beatrice, and Harriet—all children I met during my earliest visits—we became a real family. Along the way our family has grown to include many others.  

• Robert is now a doctor, fulfilling his childhood dream. 

• Beatrice, a medical lab technician, holds a bachelor’s degree. 

• Jackie and her husband, Grace, are entrepreneurs and the owners of His Grace Demo Farm (HGDF).  

• Harriet has worked as a medical laboratory technician for 16 years and is now completing her bachelor’s degree in that field.  

  
  

Through the four of them, their biological children and other children they care for, and the many others who call me Maama and Granny, I’ve become part of a vibrant, very large, extended Ugandan family. That family includes Aloyo Mary, whom I met in 2008 after she had lost her 7 children and husband in the Northern Uganda war. I helped her settle on land and, years later, fulfilled her dream of having a house built “by her daughter.” Today, she farms that land and is known as Jajja (grandmother) to my children and grandchildren.. 

The Birth of With Uganda, Inc.

I first founded the nonprofit, originally called Be The Change People, in 2012. But the real groundwork—relationships, trust, and programs—was still unfolding. For years, I personally funded the high school and university educations of many students, as well as various projects with occasional help from a few very supportive and loyal friends. In 2023, after the loss of both my parents, I felt called to do more. I funded the building of six hostel rooms and a two-room house at HGDF to host guests, students and interns coming to study regenerative farming and enjoy a break from the city. With the support of my siblings and other family members we  launched the Robert and Barbara Shaw Memorial Food Forest (BABS)—we planted 250 fruit trees, including 50 breadfruit trees. BABS was founded to not only positively impact the environment by growing fruit trees, but to create financial opportunities in the village. We placed a swing and several memorial benches sponsored by myself, my husband, Copeland Johnson, and my dear friend Dawnn Mitchell, among the trees so visitors will one day sit under their shade.

What We’ve Done Recently

In January 2025, we celebrated BABS’ grand opening and hosted our first free medical camp staffed by 24 volunteer medical personnel. During the planning of the event, one of the volunteers, Dr. Madaya, shared the story of his late friend and medical school classmate, Nsumba Edgar. After their final medical exams Edgar passed away from complications of Sickle Cell Disease. Edgar's close friends and classmates vowed to champion Sickle Cell testing and awareness efforts in his honor. I was very moved by Edgar’s story and the commitment of his friends.  I immediately suggested we honor Edgar at the BABS opening and suggested we hold an annual free medical camp in Edgar’s honor. I promised his parents, Charles and Aida, that his name would never be forgotten and that his dream of touching people’s lives would be fulfilled.  Thus the Annual Nsumba Edgar Medical Camp was born. With donated kits Beatrice secured, we were able to test everyone that required testing at that first camp.  Harriet took the remaining tests back to the medical center where she works and people there were tested. She  shared Edgar’s story with her supervisor who in turn shared Edgar’s story with her patients. Edgar’s name and impact live on.  

What We’re Doing Now 

• We launched a tailoring project for women, led by partners, Dr. Pesh, Sylvia Namazzi, and Julius Muwanguzi. Graduates will earn government-recognized certificates and increase their income through our next initiative, Medical Apparel Project, by sewing scrubs for a locally owned company. 

• We hosted our first overnight campers—Girl Guides from St. Joseph Girls Primary School—who learned about farming, environmental stewardship, menstrual health, and guidance on how to stay safe and become strong, empowered young women. 

• We continue to support education, healthcare, and sustainable development in Nsasa Village and beyond. 

Looking Ahead 

After 24 years of personal investment, it’s time to grow. We’ve reestablished our nonprofit, under our new name, With Uganda, Inc., and formed a passionate and dedicated new board. Together, we’re expanding our work and inviting others to join us. 

Our vision is simple but powerful: to help to build thriving communities—starting in Nsasa Village—and inspire similar efforts across Uganda. 

We believe in the power of love, partnership, and lasting impact. We’re just getting started. Please join us.