Who We Are

Behind every student is a community of dedicated staff, teachers, volunteers, and friends whose commitment makes this work possible. And behind FOCAGIFO are global friendships whose support and encouragement makes our work stronger.

Gideon Byamugisha

Founder & Director

Canon Professor Gideon Byamugisha became the first faith leader in Africa to publicly disclose his HIV-positive status in 1992, following the death of his first wife, Kellen, the year before. His courageous decision transformed him into one of the world's leading advocates for compassionate HIV prevention, stigma reduction, and faith-based public health.

His advocacy has taken him from village churches in Uganda to the United Nations, the White House, universities, and international policy forums. Over the past three decades he has addressed the United Nations General Assembly, advised governments and international organizations, and received numerous international honors for his work. Despite international recognition, Gideon's greatest passion remains mentoring the students, families, and communities served by FOCAGIFO Hope Institute. In 2020, President Museveni personally recognized Gideon's contributions to Uganda's national HIV response — the kind of access Gideon has used to advocate directly, from inside government forums, for reform of laws that deepen stigma and discrimination.

Awards & Recognition

  • 2020 — The Presidential Golden Jubilee Award; Government of The Republic of Uganda
  • 2018 — Straight Talk Foundation Board Appreciation Award
  • 2017 — named National Convener for the "Leave No One Behind" Presidential Fast-Track Initiative to End AIDS by 2030
  • 2012 — Cross of St. Augustine Award (Lambeth Palace, UK)
  • 2010 — Scholar-in-Residence, The Queen's Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education (Birmingham, UK); 
  • 2009 — Niwano Peace Prize (Japan)
  • 2008 — Distinguished & Exemplary Leadership Award, Parliament of Uganda
  • 2007 — Friends of Africa Award of Commitment, Friends of the Global Fund
  • 2006 — Goodwill Ambassador on HIV & AIDS, Christian Aid (UK)
  • 2005 — UGANET Appreciation Award (Uganda AIDS Network on Law & Ethics)
  • 2003 — Uganda AIDS Commission National HIV Response Award
  • 2002 — Church/FBO Partnerships Advisor, World Vision International

Arthur Mugenyi

Executive Director

Arthur Mugenyi holds a B.A. in Ethics and Human Rights from Makerere University. He joined FOCAGIFO as a volunteer, advanced to Dean of Students, then Community Liaison Officer, and now serves as Executive Director. His career has been defined by advocacy for the marginalized, and he brings both institutional knowledge and operational leadership to the organization's transition toward long-term sustainability.

Ruth Ninsiima Mbalinda

Former Acting Executive Director

Ruth contributed many years of her time and efforts to our cause. A professional teacher by training, as well as a proud mother and mentor of young people, she began as a volunteer, then rose with us in the ranks to eventually become Acting Executive Director until her recent retirement. We give thanks to her for years of selfless service, her advocacy against Gender-Based Violence, her skilled training seminars in HIV Prevention and Management, her organization of community-level engagements, and her participation in Stigma Reduction campaigns and national round-table dialogues with religious, cultural, and political leaders. We could not have achieved so much without her.

Joan Kirabo

Community Liaisons Officer

Joan holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work & Social Administration. She brings seven years of experience in community engagement, partnership building, and organizational support. She works directly with members of the community to identify and verify Hope Institute's most vulnerable applicants, and to maintain relationships with the family members and communities of those in our care, strengthening the relationship between FOCAGIFO and the communities it serves.

 

 

 

 

 

Grace Nahurira

Administrative Assistant

Grace graduated from Kyambogo University with a Bachelor's degree in Procurement and Logistics Management. She has been our front office administrator for over five years now, coordinating our many events and initiatives, helping arrange for donated computers for our students, fielding calls and inquiries from our regional and international partners, and welcoming our visitors. She leads with empathy, positive engagement, and confidentiality, and loves to see youth succeed amidst worldly challenges.

 

 

 

 

 

Teachers & Staff

Behind every successful FOCAGIFO program is a dedicated team of teachers, counselors, outreach workers, volunteers, peer educators, and support staff. Many have served their communities for years, building trusted relationships that make lasting change possible. Together, they transform our mission into everyday action.

 

 

 

 

Our Global Community

FOCAGIFO Hope Institute is strengthened by friends across Uganda and around the world. Our extended community includes educators, physicians, nurses, HIV advocates, faith leaders, researchers, students, philanthropists, and nonprofit partners who share a commitment to dignity, opportunity, and public health. Though we come from many countries and professions, we are united by a common belief: every person deserves the opportunity to thrive.