MISSION STATEMENT
To provide a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered home for orphaned and other vulnerable children in Uganda, equipping them through education, love, and discipleship for a life of purpose and service.”

James founded Momo Children's Home.   He and the "Momo Team" (Nakalema Viola, Nyombi Julius, Kambugu Fred, Nakayemba Lydia, Namusisi Olivia) are the caretakers, living with the children, providing the hands-on care - to include feeding, housing, educating, spiritual hope and love.   We will be posting more about the Momo Team and children on the "Momo Moments" blog.   

I (Sue Ramson) and friends Ben, Steffi, Jodianne and Fernando all met James the fall of 2024 in the online Christian community we participate with.  After months of interacting, we all have felt led on a personal level (one human being to another) a strong calling to help James and Team (beyond the scope of the online ministry we work with) to raise money for the children's immediate physical needs - food, clothing, housing, safe living conditions, medical.   In addition, we are helping give guidance on registering the orphanage with the Ugandan government, providing spiritual mentoring and discipleship on a regular basis. (Ex. We are conducing virtual "home fellowship/cell group" meetings/ bible studies with the children and adult helpers on Wednesdays, and mentoring one on one.).    Note: This initiative is not a church ministry, it's simply everyday ordinary people from around the world helping a brother, a sister and children in need.  To be clear, we are not a part of Momo Children's Home, we are brothers and sisters in Christ lending a helping hand. We hope you'll join us.

AfricaMissions (AM) is a 30 year ministry in Africa that trains and equips church leaders.  They are who sent the two pastors to vet the legitimacy of James' claims.  (This Report is posted in the Momo Moments Blog.)

Certainly!   Let's start with James' story; then I'll share the story from SR and Team's vantage point.

JAMES' STORY ... 

In 2018, I was 16 years old and still in secondary school. My father, 80 years old at the time, was our biggest supporter, paying our school fees and providing for our needs. In August 2018, my dad got sick with prostate cancer and was hospitalized. The doctor's diagnosis changed everything, and our lives were never the same. I dropped out of school to care for my dad and our family, which included over 15 biological and non-biological dependents. I felt hopeless about our future, but I prayed to Jesus, asking Him to heal my dad immediately. Although Jesus didn't answer my prayer as I had hoped, I continued to trust in Him. I took care of our garden, cooked, and sold cassava to make ends meet. In 2019, my dad returned home, but his condition worsened. I was heartbroken, feeling like I had lost my future without education. I had no one to share my struggles with, so I held back tears in front of my dad. In 2020, COVID-19 struck, and our country went into lockdown. This made our situation even more challenging. I couldn't leave our home to sell our produce or buy essential items. We struggled to survive, and I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for my family. The lockdown lasted for one and a half years, and it was a difficult time for us. My dad's condition continued to deteriorate, and he required medical attention. However, due to the lockdown, it was hard to get him the help he needed. In June 2021, my dad passed away. It was a devastating blow, and I felt lost and alone. After my father died I inherited three small rental apartments.   I faced a sudden change in circumstances when the tenants, a family of six, struggled to meet their basic needs.  As the pandemic escalated, the family fled, leaving behind two small boys - aged 8 and 12 - alone and in dire need of assistance.   Concerned for their well being, I took it upon myself to care for these orphaned children - providing food, shelter and love during an incredibly challenging time.   By the time I was 23, the number of children under my and my team's care grew to 25 children.    

After my father's death, I had no one to share my grief with, and I struggled to come to terms with the loss. I felt isolated and alone. I searched for someone to talk to and found "JesusCares" online. For the first time, I shared my story with someone, and it marked the beginning of my deeper walk with Jesus.  JesusCares coaches directed me to their discipleship community called Chasing Christ, which is where I meet maama Sue, Aunt Jodianne, Aunt Steffi, Uncle Fer and Uncle Ben.    I am grateful to God who has provided for all our needs, and am thankful for everyone who has and is supporting us with prayer and gifts.  

SR AND TEAM STORY ... 

I. Introduction: A Journey of Trust and Action

The global landscape of charitable giving is often fraught with concerns about legitimacy, particularly when initiatives originate from regions with a higher prevalence of reported scams. This was the initial sentiment shared by myself, Sue Ramson (hereinafter referred to as SR) and others upon the introduction of James, a young man from Uganda who came to the online Christian community (CC) I serve as a Group Leader for, in early fall of 2024.  James came seeking support for 25 orphaned children and six adults under his care following the death of his father during the COVID-19 pandemic. The immediate reaction, rooted in a candid awareness of fraudulent activities, was one of caution. Consequently, SR (and other Group Leaders) informed James that this CC ministry did not provide direct financial assistance and cautioned him that any solicitation would result in being removed from CC's online platform.   However, James remained an active and engaged member of the online Christian community. Over several months, a process of mentoring, spiritual guidance, and genuine connection unfolded, gradually shifting the initial skepticism towards a growing belief in the sincerity of James' intentions. This transformation underscored the importance of discernment and relationship-building in assessing the validity of such requests, and led to this personally led initiative to help James and the orphans beyond the scope of the spiritual focus of the online CC ministry.   Five of my colleagues have proactively asked to join in with this personal initiative (hereinafter referred to as MT - the Mentor Team).

II. Addressing Initial Concerns and Establishing Legitimacy

Recognizing the understandable hesitations surrounding international aid requests, SR proactively addressed the red flags with James that his initial approach raised. This involved guiding James on the necessity of operating under the auspices of a recognized organization to build trust and credibility with potential donors. The advice centered on the importance of formal registration with the Ugandan government as a legitimate orphanage, an important step in demonstrating accountability and transparency.  Additionally, we advised he cease and desist referring to his current initiative as an orphanage, until he gets it recognized and registered by the Ugandan government.

Furthermore, SR embarked on an effort to find an established ministry with on-the-ground presence in Uganda that could independently verify James' story. This commitment to due diligence highlights our prioritizing the protection of potential donors and ensuring that aid reaches those genuinely in need.

III. The Crucial Verification by AfricaMissions (AM)

After several months of networking and outreach, a significant breakthrough occurred when SR connected with AfricaMissions (AFM), a ministry SR’s local church has supported, who also has 30 years of ministry supporting a network of churches across Africa.  (See africamissions.org.za) This connection proved instrumental in validating James' claims. AFM dispatched two pastors in March of 2025 to conduct an on-site investigation into the situation. Their visit culminated in a four-page report, confirming the legitimacy of James and Team's statements regarding the orphaned status of the children under James' care.  This provided the crucial evidence we needed to move forward with confidence and address the urgent needs of the children. 

IV. A new beginning

The vetting report from AFM undoubtedly painted a vivid picture of the challenging circumstances faced by the orphaned children. The user's description further elucidates their dire situation, marked by frequent food shortages (Porridge is a mainstay, some days they are down to one meal a day), limited clothing with typically only one change available per child, a lack of adequate footwear for some, seasonal cold and rainy conditions,  lack of mosquito nets resulting in malaria, inability to pay the school fees, and more. These details underscore the urgency of the need for immediate intervention.

We envision, Lord willing, the Momo Children’s Home project to be developed in three phases with an initial focus on "essentials": 

Pooling our expertise, the SR and MT are currently focused on helping James and his team with PHASE ONE - securing (a) the CRITICAL and immediate needs of TODAY for essentials - food, clothing, sanitary housing and medications.  The goal is to build up to a three month supply of “essentials”.  (b) Fernando (an attorney on the MT) is working with Pastor Edward (who runs an orphanage in Uganda) to evaluate the path to help Momo Children's Home to get the appropriate recognition by Ugandan competent bodies and authorities, and ultimately to become a registered orphanage under Ugandan laws. (c) Spiritually developing James and the group into a properly constituted congregation that can then fall under spiritual oversight of an established church TBD. (d) Essential sanitation for health and dignity in place - to include proper latrine or toilet blocks (with gender separation), handwashing stations, drainage and wastewater disposal to prevent stagnant water, mosquito breeding and mold.

PHASE TWO will focus on meeting educational needs. (As of the date of this writing only two of the children are able to attend school.) In the interim, during Phase One James has been encouraged to (a) ask all available sources – local school, people, etc. – and build up a library of books and supplies.   (b) AFM Pastor Edward has secured bibles for the children. (c) Viola and others are teaching the children - without any supplies as of this writing - and doing a fantastic job, considering they have no educational supplies.   We hope to get them some books, paper, pen and a computer.   We are also looking to connect people who can have “teach” classes (locally and online) until formal education can be secured.

PHASE THREE focus is on their housing, an orphanage facility that includes two wings separating boys and girls, fully expanded hygiene/sanitation infrastructure, laundry, kitchen and dining facilities, and a large multi-use area to use recreationally as well as a place to congregate as a church.

V through VI sections reference Campaign Narrative and Campaign Assets suggestions.

VII. Casting the Vision: Building a Sustainable Future and Supporting Long-Term Growth

While the immediate needs of food, clothing, and shelter are paramount, our personal efforts with this campaign also acknowledges in Phase One the important task of helping James and his team register Momo Children's Home as a formal orphanage.  While immediate donations will address the urgent crisis, the ultimate goal is to empower Momo Children's Home, as orphanage, to become self-sufficient in the future.  

VIII describes urgent needs and estimated costs (described separately in the FAQ)

IX. Conclusions and Recommendations

The situation of the 25 orphaned children in Uganda under the care of James and his Team presents a compelling case for immediate humanitarian assistance. The initial skepticism, while understandable given the prevalence of online scams, has been addressed through the on site visit conducted by the reputable AFM ministry. The confirmation of the children's orphaned status and their dire living conditions necessitates a swift and effective fundraising campaign that we invite you to be a part of.

Note: the number of children at the time of this writing is 25.  That number is subject to change. 

PHASE ONE GOAL: $15,000

PHASE TWO GOAL: $12,000 

PHASE ONE GOAL is to build up a 3-month reserve of "urgent needs" to mitigate the weekly "crisis" James, Viola and team face to simply feed and clothe the children.  In addition, to help provide a safe, sanitary living environment, basic medical supplies, to include beds / frames to put up mosquito nets to treat/prevent malaria, guidance to help the "home" become a legally registered orphanage, and basic education supplies (books, paper, pens, etc).  

PHASE TWO GOAL is to help the children pay the registration fees to attend school, maintain "essentials" and expand the housing to better accommodate a more functional "dormitory" type separation of boys and girls.

EVERY and ANY AMOUNT helps

90% of all donations go directly to help the children.  10% is retained for platform and administrative fees and currency exchange fees.  If fees are less then 10% the net to James will be reflected.   (The net amount received  percentage is highest if you choose to send via the mobile money options described here)

We choose not to display photos of children out of respect for their privacy and to uphold their right to control their own image and identity. Children are particularly vulnerable and protecting them from potential risks—both online and offline—is one of our highest priorities. While we understand that seeing the faces of those you support can be meaningful, we believe that safeguarding the dignity and safety of the children comes first. 

However, donors are warmly invited to request access to the Momo Moments Blog and participate in virtual events—we have a virtual weekly cell group/home gatherings on Wednesdays, prayer meetings, Bible studies, and other gatherings —where they may have the opportunity to meet the children and members of Momo Children’s Home, and witness firsthand the impact their support is making.  In addition, we are rolling out a private group page where we show weekly activities (videos and photos), profile "meet the children" and staff section, songs and dances they do for us, prayer, etc. 

When we, the "team" first met James he was trying to promote "Momo Children's Foundation".   According to James, "MOMO stands for Moureen.  Moureen was someone who was there for me in the times when my father was sick.  She was so close to me, but after the death of my father I broke down mentally and spiritually.  She stood up for me. She guided me in my darkest moments. Yes, my father told me to take care of the kids and to take on his legacy, but I was so scared.  I didn’t think I could do it,  but Moureen gave me courage.  She was a pillar in my life,  and she loved the kids as well. The kids started calling her Aunt MOMO and that’s how I came up with that name; showing her how much she meant to us."

Since we, the MT, began helping James, "Uncle Fer" from the team (an attorney) advised James to stop using "foundation" for legal implications.   After giving James several ideas, "Momo Children's Home" was chosen as the official name.  For now, it refers to James, Team and the children - to family, every child a story of hope, and the idea that love makes a home.    With your help, Momo Children's Home will prayerfully sooner than later become the official name the orphanage will be registered under. 

Our website reflects "Our Story" from when we began.   You can follow the amazing progress of how your prayers,  generosity and love has affected the lives of these precious children by visiting our Momo Moments Blog for regular updates.