About
Overview
Formally established in 2009, Biojemmss is a Christian charity based in Uganda dedicated to rescuing and restoring vulnerable children and young people from abuse. While we provide short-term residential care for those at the highest risk, this is only one part of our wider mission. We work to prevent abuse, strengthen families, equip parents and communities, and support young people as they move safely into adulthood.
As part of this holistic approach, we currently deliver twelve community-based initiatives across our locations. Central to our work is the Rescue–Restore–Release model — a structured two-to-three-year journey that supports children from crisis, through restoration, and into sustainable independence.
Our Story
Biojemmss began in 2007 when eighteen vulnerable children and young people were rescued from an unregulated residential facility where they were experiencing significant abuse. They were moved to a safe home in Rukungiri — a place where they could finally rest, heal, and begin to rebuild their lives. That first act of protection became the foundation of everything Biojemmss would grow to be.
The organisation was formally established in 2009 when it was registered as a foreign NGO in Uganda. That same year, Biojemmss partnered with Elim International, which helped establish its UK presence and provided early governance and support. In 2018, Biojemmss became an independent UK-registered charity (No. 1177603), strengthening its long-term sustainability and accountability.
What began as an emergency response for eighteen children has grown into a holistic, community?rooted organisation serving thousands each year — always with the same commitment to rescue, restoration, and lasting freedom.
Our name
People often ask about the origin of the name Biojemmss. When the first young people were rescued from their abusive care home, many had been forced to give up their own names and were instead known only by the name of their abuser.
At their new home, their names and identities were restored. As part of rebuilding their sense of belonging, the children were asked what they would like to be called collectively — and Biojemmss was the name they chose. Each letter represents one of their names (for example, “M” for Muwanguzi, “B” for Brian), with the final “s” added as a tribute to Siân, who played a key role in their rescue.
For them, the name symbolised family, unity, and the beginning of a new life together.
Our mission, vision and values
Mission
Our passion is to equip families and communities to identify cycles of children at risk by addressing root causes and creating safe spaces for children to thrive and successfully transition into adulthood. We achieve this by delivering several initiatives that identify, address, and prevent child abuse.
We operate with a focus on long-term sustainable change through a relationship-based model, employing and collaborating with existing family and community strategies to reduce the risk of children facing abuse and exploitation.
Vision
To build a culture that empowers children and families to thrive in Uganda and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our focus areas include rescuing and keeping children safe, meeting basic needs, providing access to education for children and caregivers, and transforming communities.
Values
Child-Centered: We put children first in everything we do.
Servant-Led: We seek collaboration and partnership with the people and organisations of Uganda, respecting their diverse cultures.
Responsible: We exercise the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in our work.
Unashamedly Christian: We believe in the transformative and restorative love of God.
Unique: We remain true to our roots and history.
Adaptable: We embrace learning and positive change.
Future-Focused: We promote an organisation that is self-sustainable and are committed to building sustainable change for others.
Where we work
Rukungiri
Our main base is located in Rukungiri, western Uganda. This home provides a safe, nurturing environment for children and young people who need immediate protection, while also serving as the hub for our administrative work and community programmes. Children living here attend good local schools and receive the care, stability, and developmental opportunities they were previously denied — including access to medical support, nutritious food, and a secure place to call home.
From Rukungiri, Biojemmss delivers twelve established community-based and preventative initiatives, including family-strengthening work for children at risk of abuse. We continue to expand these programmes into nearby rural and underserved areas to reach more vulnerable families before harm occurs.
To support this growing work, we have purchased land in Kanyinya where we are developing permanent facilities that will strengthen our long-term sustainability and increase our capacity to serve children and communities safely.
Kampala
We have a second residential home in Kampala, the country’s capital. This transition home provides ongoing support for our older young people who are attending university, finding jobs or setting up their own businesses.
Kanyinya
Biojemmss now operates a growing agricultural and community development site in Kanyinya, where we have established a sustainable farm with cows, goats and pigs, alongside securing reliable access to safe water and electricity—both previously scarce in the area. The land is being developed into our permanent home, where we will deliver all twelve of our initiatives from one central, purpose-built location, strengthening our ability to support children, families and the wider community. As construction of our new facilities progresses, Kanyinya is becoming a beacon of safety, learning and opportunity: a place where children can thrive, families can access dignifying support, and long-term transformation can take root.
