The Agandi Foundation was created by Anna Malecka-Mutambi, a Polish national who was providing volunteer support to NGO’s in Uganda since 2014.
After many trips back to Uganda, Anna witnessed children who, despite deep wounds, still dared to hope; mothers who had lost everything yet kept going; and young people who had never known a system that worked for them, but still tried to build something better. Inspired by their resilience, Anna decided to pursue a new path – one that brought her closer to fulfilling her life’s calling of supporting those in need in Africa.
The Agandi Foundation was established on October 8, 2016, in response to the dramatic events that unfolded in the country that year. This was a step toward providing relief and support to children and their families.
Since then, Agandi Foundation has grown into a loving community providing safety, care, and hope to 25 children and young mothers – each carrying a past of hardship and dreams of a better future.
What began as a short visit became a lifelong mission. In 2016, she moved permanently to Mbarara and opened the Agandi Children’s Home, where she lives and works today with her husband and their growing circle of caregivers, educators, and children.
Anna believes true help is not about saving people – it’s about walking beside them with humility and purpose. Her vision is not institutional care, but family: small, loving homes where safety and joy replace trauma. Every child who enters Agandi is known, nurtured, and given a chance to rediscover what love, play, and dignity feel like.
Anna’s journey hasn’t been easy. She’s faced skepticism, cultural barriers, safety risks, and moments of despair – but through it all, she’s remained grounded in one truth: these lives matter. “When I see a child smile after weeks of silence, when they’re held, fed, and finally believe they are safe – that is everything,” she says.
Under her leadership, Agandi doesn’t just shelter children. It fights for them. It dreams with them. And it gives each of us a chance to be part of something real – not by charity, but by walking alongside.
Tucked away about 300 kilometres southwest of Uganda’s capital lies the vibrant city of Mbarara, home to the Agandi Foundation. But it’s more than just a location; it’s a growing community of hope and love. Volunteers and guests from near and far come to lend their time to support the children who live at Agandi Children’s Home.
Though Mbarara is developing quickly, many families still face daily challenges. That’s where the Agandi Foundation steps in, working hard to meet the growing needs of the community and bring brighter days to the children who call this place home.
