Support Young Leaders like Robert: Join The Little by Little Campaign

Despite his hardships growing up, Robert Mugema, a Ugandan Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) graduate, has always been determined to impact his community positively. Orphaned at a young age due to HIV/AIDS, Robert found himself in the care of the Samanya Foundation, an orphanage that would later play a central role in his journey. Recognizing his academic potential, Robert was introduced to the Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI), which offered him the chance to pursue higher education in Japan. This opportunity opened new doors for him, both academically and in terms of developing a broader worldview and a strong commitment to social change.

As a student, Robert was determined to make a difference. He used his internship experience to craft a proposal for the AAI’s leadership development program, aiming to address the struggles faced by small-scale coffee farmers in Uganda’s Rakai region, particularly single mothers who were the backbone of these operations. These women faced significant challenges—low productivity, economic instability, and limited resource access. Robert’s proposal centered on providing these women with training, entrepreneurship tools, and market linkages, empowering them to rise above poverty and become self-sufficient. He didn’t just want to improve their livelihoods; he tried to spark a change that would ripple through generations. “I wanted to help these women gain the skills they need to create a better future for themselves and their children,” he says.

Robert’s leadership skills were tested when he stepped into the director role at the Samanya Foundation, the orphanage that had raised him. Faced with the threat of closure due to financial instability, Robert took charge and led efforts to keep the foundation open. “I could never let the place that gave me a second chance close down. I had to step up and ensure that other children like me would continue to receive the care they deserved,” he shares. This experience reinforced Robert’s commitment to uplifting his community, and it was here that he began applying the insights he gained from his academic and internship experiences to real-world solutions.

His research on empowering women became central to his work at the Samanya Foundation, where he launched initiatives focused on providing single mothers with the tools they need to achieve economic independence. Drawing from his undergraduate research, Robert has created training programs that equip women with entrepreneurship skills, enabling them to start their own businesses and generate sustainable income. “Empowering women is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty,” Robert says. “When women thrive, whole communities benefit.”
Robert’s ultimate goal is to create a self-sustaining community where single mothers and vulnerable children can access education, resources, and the opportunity to live stable, independent lives. “It’s not just about changing lives today—it’s about creating a future where these communities stand on their own,” he explains. Through his leadership at the Samanya Foundation, Robert is working to ensure that the next generation of children and women can build a better future for themselves and their families.

As Robert continues his impactful work, you can join the “Little by Little” campaign from March 25th to 28th 2025! Every donation up to $50 will be matched by 50%, maximizing your contribution. Your support empowers leaders like Robert, providing scholarships and resources for lasting change. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference—donate today and help uplift communities!