By Arnold Katongole
The week-long celebration of Ugandan generosity ended on a high note at Ndere Cultural Centre as hundreds of local givers, activists, and community leaders converged for the Gathering of Givers, the flagship closing event of Philanthropy Week 2025.
Under the theme “Generosity that Serves, Stays, and Sustains,” the event brought together grassroots changemakers, seasoned philanthropists, and the public to share stories, reflect on Uganda’s long-standing culture of giving, and inspire the next generation of givers.
“It’s not about the big donations from companies and institutions,” said Dr. Moses Isooba, Executive Director of the NGO Forum of Uganda, in his opening remarks. “It’s about the small acts – the morning greetings, the shared knowledge – and the consistent efforts that transform communities. We appreciate you, and that’s why we keep going.”
The Gathering of Givers was organised by Open Space Centre, the NGO Forum, and CivSource Africa, capping a week of activities from August 4–10 dedicated to philanthropy in its many forms.
The day’s programme combined inspiration with celebration – showcasing young givers making a mark in their communities, blood donation drives, poetry performances, traditional games, and cultural entertainment.
A communal lunch buffet brought together participants, beneficiaries, and stakeholders in an atmosphere of connection and shared purpose.
Young Givers in the Spotlight
For the organisers, the climax was about elevating voices often left unheard in philanthropic narratives.
“By putting young givers in the public eye, we increase appreciation for their contributions and inspire others to give in more deserving and meaningful ways,” said Elizabeth Akol, Communications Officer at Open Space Centre.
“We believe in creating inclusive platforms for youth to unleash their full potential.”
That spotlight mattered to participants like Rachel Mutesi, team lead at Ufahari Girls Ministries. Speaking after her presentation, Mutesi described the week as “an eye-opener and a reflection moment” for herself and her peers.
“We learned, unlearned, and relearned what it means to give – especially from those who’ve walked this path for decades,” she said.
She cited keynote speaker Prof. Nassali’s powerful reminder: “We don’t give out of charity; we give because it’s our identity.”
A Culture
The event’s intellectual highlight came from Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo, who approached philanthropy as a storyteller, tracing its origins, current realities, and future challenges.
Drawing from a Luganda proverb, “Amagezi muliro wegakugwako, ogakima wa muno” (“Knowledge is fire; if you can’t find it, get it from your neighbour”), he illustrated how giving has long been woven into Ugandan life.
“No one was ever too poor to be cared for,” he said. “There was always someone checking on the sick, ensuring no one was left behind. Philanthropy is not foreign to us; it’s the culture we live and shall always live.”
But Ssentongo also warned of headwinds.
“Politics, modernity, and the dependency culture created by foreign aid can undermine local giving. But these should not discourage young people – they should be the reason to give more,” he said.
Beyond the Week
Philanthropy Week, now in its annual cycle, is more than a calendar event. Over the past seven days, forums, dialogues, and community outreach initiatives have taken place across the country, exploring how Ugandans can strengthen local giving traditions in the face of economic pressures and shifting cultural dynamics.
For Open Space Centre and its partners, the hope is that such gatherings plant seeds that will grow into stronger, more collaborative networks of givers.
“The real work begins after the applause dies down,” Akol said. “We want to see these connections turn into action – in neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces, and beyond.”
At the end, the crowd lingered in conversation – swapping contacts, pledging commitments, and reflecting on stories shared during the day.
“This isn’t the end of Philanthropy Week; it’s the start of our own week to give,” one of the attendees remarked.
QUOTE TO REMEMBER
“No one was ever too poor to be cared for. Philanthropy is not foreign to us; it’s the culture we live.”
— Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo
