Faith. Hope. Purpose.

Hope for every young life.

Supporting children and youth in Northern Uganda through faith and practical care.

Our promise

To see every child known, supported and empowered.

FaithRooted in Christ
FutureBuilt with purpose
DiscipleshipWell-beingEducationDignity

Who we are

Restoring what hardship has broken.

Shining Light Uganda is a faith-based nonprofit organization serving children, youth and families through holistic, community-rooted support.

Founded in January 2025 by Reilly Thompson and Nyapendi Pauline, our work responds to the lasting effects of conflict and poverty in Gulu District. Guided by Christian values, we uphold dignity, accountability and hope in everything we do.

Read our full story
01

Our vision

A generation confident in who they are.

We envision a generation of Ugandan youth as confident in their identity and empowered to live a purpose-driven life illuminated by Jesus.

02

Our mission

Whole-person care, walked out together.

We support the holistic well-being of every child by meeting basic needs, equipping them with skills and walking with them towards a purposeful future in Christ.

What we do

Seven ways we help hope grow.

Our programs respond to spiritual, emotional and practical needs because lasting change touches the whole person.

Mentorship session with schoolchildren02

Psychosocial support

Counselling, peer groups and safe spaces where children can process pain and find healing.

Children receiving nutrition support packages03

Nutrition support

Helping vulnerable children and households access nourishment when food security is uncertain.

School outreach session with students04

Education

Supporting access to school through sponsorship, learning materials and encouragement.

Community health screening05

Health

Bringing care closer through health outreaches, medical camps and referral support.

Students receiving sanitary kits06

Maintain a Girl in School

Restoring dignity and reducing missed school days through the distribution of sanitary kits.

Children supported by Shining Light Uganda07

Legal support

Protecting vulnerable children and families through rights education, guidance and access to justice.

We may not have much, but the little we have we give. We put smiles on their faces.

Shining Light Uganda

Why Gulu

Hope for a community still rebuilding.

Families in Gulu continue to live with the long-term effects of displacement, lost livelihoods and limited access to essential services. Many children are growing up in households carrying both economic pressure and unresolved trauma.

We stand with these families not as distant observers, but as neighbours committed to walking the journey with them.

Learn more about our context
Simon Peter Ogen receiving scholastic materials with his family

A story of hope

Simon returned to school.

When difficult family circumstances forced Simon out of class, education sponsorship helped him return and continue learning with the practical support he needed.

Read Simon’s story

Take part

There is a place for your light here.

Whether you offer time, professional skills, prayer, partnership or practical support, you can help children and young people flourish.

Connect with us

Let’s fan the flame of hope together.

Based inGulu District, Uganda
Call us+256 773 301118
+256 752 075181
Email usshininglight.ug@gmail.com