About Smile Africa Ministries

Our Mission

To share the love of Christ by meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of Uganda’s most vulnerable—empowering individuals and communities to live with hope, dignity, and purpose.

Our Beginnings

Smile Africa Ministries (SAM) began in 1996 in the Tororo District of Uganda as a small family compassion project founded by Pastor Ruth Kahawa. Moved by the suffering of people living with HIV/AIDS—often isolated and stigmatized—Pastor Ruth and her family began visiting the sick, bringing them clothes, blankets, soap, sugar, and, most importantly, love and companionship.

Over time, this humble act of compassion grew into a thriving ministry serving some of Uganda’s most vulnerable populations, including street children, orphans, widows, women in abusive relationships, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Our Impact

Since its founding, Smile Africa Ministries has:

Helped over 10,000 women, 12,000 children, and thousands of families
Established programs that promote education, health, and self-reliance
Transformed countless lives through faith and practical support

In 2004, a tailoring and crafts program was launched to help women gain financial independence, and Smile Africa was registered as a Community-Based Organization (CBO). By 2008, it became a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).

Feeding and Education Programs

In 2007, Pastor Ruth was inspired to start a feeding program for Karamojong children after the tragic death of a young girl who had eaten poisoned food scraps.

Today, around 350 children receive two free nutritious meals at Smile Africa six days a week, supported by Hope 4 Kids International (H4KI) and Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in the USA. Alongside meals, children receive:

Basic medical care (treatment for malaria, wounds, and infections)
Hygiene education and access to bathing facilities
Free education at Smile Africa Nursery and Primary School
(currently offering preschool through Primary Two)

Over 200 children are sponsored in local public schools, and several pursue secondary, vocational, and university education. Some have even graduated with degrees in fields such as Chemical Engineering and History—a testament to how far love and opportunity can reach.

Women Empowerment

Through partnerships with Hope 4 Women International (H4WI) and Reach Up Reach Out Ministries (RURO), SAM empowers women to become self-sufficient. Sponsored for one year, participants receive:

Monthly financial support
Savings and small business training
Weekly fellowship meetings focused on leadership, character development, and agricultural skills

Many graduates go on to start small businesses or income-generating projects that sustain their families.

Faith and Community Development

At the heart of Smile Africa is a commitment to sharing the love of Jesus Christ. The ministry supports church planting, helps local pastors acquire land and build churches, and hosts Bible conferences to strengthen believers.

A vibrant Sunday fellowship is held at the Smile Africa campus, led by Michael De La Rocha and Abbo Sylvia, who also mentor local youth.

Future Vision

From 2016 to 2019, in partnership with the Tororo District Local Government and Child’s i Foundation, SAM successfully resettled 66 children from institutional care back into families and community homes.

Looking ahead, Smile Africa Ministries plans to:

Register vocational training programs in hairdressing, tailoring, baking, and welding
Introduce computer training for youth
Develop agricultural projects for food security and income
Build a business center to support long-term ministry sustainability