“I did not begin Gather for Children because I read about suffering in a report. I began because I recognised the faces, the homes, the women, and the children. Their story was not far from mine.”

I was born an only child and spent part of my childhood being raised by my grandparents in Mityana, Uganda. I studied there, and from an early age, I saw how difficult life could be for many children around me.

In our schools, there were no libraries. There were no public libraries either — and even today, this remains the reality in many communities. I saw children who could not afford lunch, school uniforms, textbooks, or even shoes. Many grew up without the small joys others may take for granted: toys, birthday celebrations, Christmas gifts, playgrounds, swings, or bicycles.

These memories never left me, because at some point in my own life, I also knew what it meant to have very little.

As a child, I did not have many toys. I made my own using banana fibres, seeds, yam leaf stalks, and whatever nature could provide. Even in those simple moments, I found happiness. But I also knew that childhood should be more than survival. Every child deserves joy, dignity, love, and the chance to dream.

One memory that deeply shaped my heart happened in 1997, when I returned from boarding school and found that a young couple had rented part of our home. They had a baby boy named Twaha, whom I immediately loved, and another young child who lived with their grandparents.

In April 1998, on Twaha’s first birthday, there were no plans for a celebration. At the time, I had been singing in small bars and had earned a little money. I decided to organise a small birthday party with what I had. We invited his family and cousins, shared food, and celebrated together.

It was a simple party, but it meant so much.

Just three months later, Twaha’s parents were killed in a terrorist bomb attack while watching the France–Brazil World Cup final. His father died immediately. His mother, though conscious and deeply worried about her husband and children, passed away the following day.

Twaha and his brother were left to be raised by grandparents who had very little.

I was heartbroken. I kept thinking about these children who would grow up without knowing their parents, and without the support every child deserves. Years later, I reconnected with Twaha and helped him through university. But his story stayed with me — because there are many children like him.

Children who lose their parents.
Children raised by grandparents.
Children who go to school hungry.
Children who have talent, dreams, and potential, but lack opportunity.

This, together with my love for children, led me to start Gather for Children.

In 2006, after the success of my first concert as a solo artist, I used part of the proceeds to pay school fees for ten children. That simple act became the beginning of Gather for Children.

Since then, this work has continued with the support of well-wishers, friends, fans, and people with generous hearts. Many do not only donate money, food, clothes, or scholastic materials — they also travel to Mityana, meet the community, interact with the children and caregivers, and stand with us in love and solidarity.

Through Gather for Children, I am trying to give children the basic needs, care, joy, and opportunities that many of us never had. For too many children in Mityana, the situation is still the same. But together, we can change that.

God gave me a voice. I will use it not only to sing and praise Him, but also to speak for children who need help, hope, and a future.

Because every child deserves more than survival.

Every child deserves love, dignity, opportunity, and joy.

— Iryn Namubiru
Founder, Gather for Children