Because of you

ACT has a bright future

NEWS Flash!

We have passed the halfway mark to our goal!

Just over $300,000 toward $600,000

See New Update! below…

ACT Social Impact Hub Project:

Building a Sustainable Future for Rubanda District, Uganda

Poverty perpetuates across generations, but ACT is breaking the cycle.

• The population of Rubanda is 250,000 and over 50% of the people live in deep poverty, surviving on less than $1.79 a day.

• Around 10% face near-famine conditions.

• Jobs are scarce, and families struggle daily to secure basic needs.

ACT will have perpetual revenue through our social businesses to support lasting change.

• ACT programs are supported by an expanding portfolio of small, local Ugandan businesses that provide essential products, services, and employment.

• The profits are reinvested in sustaining ACT’s programs – health promotion, educational scholarships, and agriculture – and supporting dedicated, trained staff.

ACT needs a hub at the heart of it all & together we will make it happen.

• The ACT Social Impact Hub will be located in central Muko Subcounty as a growing center for innovation.

• It will house several social businesses, generating program income.

Construction has begun and ACT needs your support.

• $558,000 is the total estimated cost for the building construction.

• The businesses will be owned and operated by on-site ACT Uganda staff.

• Space in the Hub will include rentals to individuals and other businesses.

• If you would like to continue or further your support with a donation, click here to fund this project!

& we .

Completed retaining walls (February 2026)

Building of retaining walls (January 2026)

April 13, 2026 Project Update : Moving from Construction to Community Impact

With the completion of the retaining walls, our project is entering an exciting new phase—one focused on bringing the future of the building to life.

We are now actively planning how this space will serve the community in sustainable and meaningful ways. At the center of this effort is our FUNDS (Financial Ugandan Needs and Development) Task Force, a team of experienced former business leaders, agriculture specialists, and builders. This group is carefully reviewing a range of potential social enterprises that could operate within the new facility.

Their goal is clear: identify the opportunities that will deliver the greatest impact—creating jobs, supporting local needs, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

At the same time, a smaller working subgroup within the Task Force is taking this effort a step further. They are conducting in-depth feasibility studies and developing detailed business plans for the most promising ideas. This work provides the critical data needed to make wise, informed decisions about which ventures to launch.

Together, these efforts ensure that when the building opens, it will not only be complete—but filled with purpose, opportunity, and lasting impact for the community.

We’re grateful for your continued support as we move from building structures to building futures.

New Update!

June, 2026 Project Update : Moving from Feasibility Study to Pilot Program!

The Feasibility Study/Business Planning Team, a team of business and financial experts focused solely on the feasibility studies and business planning, has determined it is time to establish a Potato Brokerage Pilot Program. For 3 months, ACT will run this pilot program that will purchase potatoes from local farmers and resell ware potatoes to customers. This will provide hard data to our team in order to explore the viability of this as a social business whose revenue will support ACT’s programs.

Alongside the potato pilot, the team is finishing a feasibility study to expand our existing Hardware Store (social business). We are also exploring hospitality opportunities — renting rooms to tourists and to workers expected to come to the area for a new steel plant. Weekly meetings continue, with ongoing data collection and financial projections to inform our next steps.

The work continues!

Why give?

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Because the need is urgent.
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Because your support fuels lasting change.
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Because our programs make a difference.
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Because we can’t do this without you.
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Because our current social businesses are working.
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Because ACT will be able to generate perpetual revenue for lasting change.

“The Social Impact Hub represents hope — hope for stronger families, thriving businesses, and a more sustainable future for ACT Uganda.”

Generous Turinawe, ACT Founder and Uganda Director

“ACT is moving from dependence to sustainability — generating local opportunity while funding the work we believe in.”

Sue Waechter, ACT Founder and US Director

FAQs

A social business is a visionary new dimension for capitalism.
Unlike a traditional nonprofit, a social business earns revenue by selling products or services. And unlike a typical for-profit company, its primary goal isn’t maximizing profit, but maximizing positive impact on the community.
Profits from each ACT social business are reinvested in sustaining our programs – health promotion, educational scholarships, and agriculture – and supporting dedicated, trained staff.
At its core, a social business answers this question:
How can we use business to do lasting good—without depending on charity to survive?
The population of Rubanda District, Uganda is 250,000 and over 50% of the people live in deep poverty, surviving on less than $1.79 a day.
• Around 10% face near-famine conditions.
• Jobs are scarce, and families struggle daily to secure basic needs.
The people of Rubanda benefit from ACT’s life-changing, life-sustaining programs - not just today, but for generations to come. Your support fuels lasting change through our ACT social businesses.
We have two social businesses, both of which generate revenue for ACT Uganda:
Uniquely Uganda Handcrafts sells handcrafts at local craft shows and through our website shop. It generates jobs for women in rural Uganda beyond subsistence farming, allowing the artisans to earn income, and profits fund ACT programs.
The ACT Hardware Store located in Muko, Uganda provides needed supplies to the community and creates local jobs. 100% of net proceeds after salaries and inventory go back to ACT programs.
Likely future social businesses: Potato screen house, mushroom sales, community gathering shop, and more.
Gifts of $1,000 – $10,000 or more can build long-term sustainability.
Donations accepted online or via check payable to ACT, P.O. Box 2565 Midland, MI 48641
Link to donate:
https://givebutter.com/KUqKD6