Our Story
In April 2026, Annelies felt a strong desire to create a more meaningful impact. That journey led her to Kasese, western Uganda, where she connected with a local foundation supporting vulnerable communities. What started as a single visit quickly became a shared mission.
Together, we designed and launched a Women's Empowerment Programme for single women; many of whom had experienced poverty, abandonment or domestic violence. Yet what we encountered was not vulnerability alone, but extraordinary resilience, determination and untapped potential. It became clear that lasting change is created by combining emotional wellbeing with economic opportunity, helping women rediscover their confidence, develop new skills and build sustainable livelihoods.
Seeing this transformation inspired Annelies to establish the Rwenzori Foundation together with Serge. Today, we work alongside local partners to empower people to build brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
Rwenzori Foundation wasn't founded because people needed saving. It was founded because everyone deserves the opportunity to discover their own strength, unlock their potential and build their own future.
Some of the initiatives described on this website began through the founders and local partners before Stichting Rwenzori Foundation was formally incorporated on 27 July 2026 and helped shape the Foundation's subsequent programmes.
Values that drive our work.
Respect
Freedom
Connection
We treat every person with dignity, compassion and equality, honouring their unique story, strengths and potential.
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to become independent, make their own choices and shape their own future.
Lasting change happens through genuine relationships, strong communities and supporting one another along the journey.
Inspiration
We inspire people to rediscover their inner strength, embrace new possibilities and create positive change for themselves and others.
Empowerment
We create opportunities for people to build confidence, unlock their potential and shape their own future.
Accountability is our promise.
Transparency builds trust. Review our governance model and financial statements to understand our impact.
Public benefit objective.
Stichting Rwenzori Foundation aims to promote sustainable development and improve social and economic opportunities for disadvantaged communities, particularly in western Uganda.
The Foundation supports locally led initiatives in the areas of vocational training, sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment, community wellbeing and responsible enterprise development.
All activities are undertaken for the public benefit and not for private gain.