July 2026 marks a watershed moment for Man Up in Bulangira, Uganda. Several years ago, our AMP cohort leaders in Uganda presented us with a 22-page proposal outlining a bold vision: a Skills Training Program that would equip AMP graduates with practical, income-generating skills such as welding, carpentry, shoemaking, tailoring, lawn maintenance, baking, and more. Although they had a clear vision, they lacked the startup capital to bring it to life. After years of prayer, faithful perseverance, and waiting on God's perfect timing, that vision is finally becoming a reality. Just a few weeks ago, construction began, and today three buildings that will serve as the training center are nearing completion. This is an exciting new chapter in the life of the AMP program. We are filled with gratitude for God's faithfulness and eager to see how He will use this training center to transform lives and create new opportunities for generations to come. .
A few months back Man Up provided a gift to Kerith ministries of $5000 to help us acquire tools to equip the carpentry and fabrication Skills Center department. The goal was to provide men with the skills who can't afford to pay for such training, yet they have the capacity to learn. Since we received the funds, we purchased the needed equipment to start the trainings. We started with 12 men, 8 of them were doing welding and fabrication and 4 were doing carpentry. These men have been dedicated to train and now they are able to make good products like beds, chairs, and stools. Our ministry has also benefited because the men can do maintenance on our furniture at Kerith School & Children’s Home. These men currently are also able to make some little money through repairs or making products from people outside Kerith. This has given them hope for a better living and future. After this success, through the Man Up Country Director, Geofrey Ochari, we are ready for any man graduating from the AMP Program recommended by him to come and get the training. We are also targeting young men who have dropped out of school or who have rehabilitated from drug abuse and domestic abuse from the district of Pallisa and beyond. We want to appreciate the trust and partnership with Man Up that brings transformation in the lives of people. Pastor Samuel Mwesigwa
We are overjoyed and incredibly proud to share that our own, Sylvia Katooko Damba, has been sworn in to serve in Parliament representing the Kibuku District in Uganda. Sylvia & George Kooli run Ebenezer Children's Ministry and have been a long-time ministry partner of Man Up. This is a tremendous honor and responsibility, and we thank God for opening this door of leadership and influence for Sylvia. As she begins this new journey, we ask for your prayers for wisdom, strength, discernment, protection, and God’s continual guidance in every decision she makes. May she always remain grounded in faith and never lose sight of Whom she ultimately serves. Please join us in praying that she will be a light in leadership and a faithful servant to both her community and the Kingdom of God. Congratulations Sylvia!! Watch Sylvia's Swearing-in Ceremony
Last month football players from Morningside & Wheaton College recently embarked on a life-changing Man Up mission trip to Uganda, where their impact extended far beyond the field. Immersing themselves in local communities, they spent time playing with children—sharing joy, laughter, and connection that transcended language and culture. Alongside these moments, the team served practically by completing painting and fencing projects in partnership with Man Up ministry partners. Working together to strengthen spaces that serve for worship, education, and community life. Their willingness to work and serve shoulder-to-shoulder with members of the community made a lasting difference. One of the most profound aspects of the trip came through their participation in men’s conferences, where they listened to powerful, transformational stories from men who had journeyed through Man Up Authentic Masculinity Program (AMP). These testimonies of growth, accountability, and renewed purpose left a deep impression on the players, challenging and inspiring them in their own lives. What began as a trip to serve others became a mutual exchange of encouragement, perspective, and transformation—an experience that will continue to shape these young men long after they returned home.
The AMP program has been running in Uganda since 2018. Since inception, the program has seen close to 1,000 men discipled and hundreds more indirectly impacted by the men who have been a part of the program. Pastor Geofrey Ochari Man Up's In-country Director states, “We have heard testimony after testimony from men who have gone through the program and from their spouses, and they have become a great encouragement to us. There aren’t enough pages to write down all the testimonies we have heard throughout the 8-year journey of discipleship”. Pastor Geofrey also shared, “We realized that people are gifted and talented in different areas but lack the skills that can take them through and empower them. We want to come along as a team to help men discover themselves and afterwards empower them to exploit their potential and become better financially. We believe teaching them a skill will be more effective than giving them money.” With that, Pastor Geofrey and the other cohort leaders proposed a “Skills Training” concept instead of a micro-loan. Geofrey adds, “We believe skills training will help reduce the stress and struggles involved with loan recovery. Under this new arrangement we intend to give men necessary skills and start up support in the form of tools and not cash. We further suggest that the support given will be at 50% cost-share in the program. We have realized this will create a sense of responsibility and ownership.” The AMP program’s purpose has always been to see men develop holistically as followers of Jesus, husbands, fathers, entrepreneurs and active participants in the mission of God in the world through the work of the local church. To see men given the opportunity for upward mobility; not a “hand-out” but a “hand-up.” When men are living out their divine calling the problem of fatherlessness can be eradicated, which is the vision of Man Up.
Lessons from Phase 2 - Authentic Masculinity Reports from cohort leaders in Uganda 🇺🇬 on the start of Phase 2 of the AMP curriculum. Phase 2 lessons focus on basic business practices and the development of income generating activities (IGA). Geofrey Ochari our in-country director reports, "Today in Kibuku our discussion centered around time management. Every one had to show us how they divided up their 24 hours. Time was divided across 4 areas." 1. Personal devotion 2. Family 3. Income generating activities 4. Ministry and serving others This from Eliazar Kabugo our cohort leader in Namwiwa. "Analysis of IGA's from our Asset Maps was so amazing coming to realize that God has put everything we need well at our disposal. Yet, sometimes we can't see because of the narrative from our culture, friends, and family. How eye opening it was to make new resolutions!"
Every year Man Up AMP Alumni and current cohort members organize a marriage conference in Uganda. This year there were over 100 couples participating in the conference. The conference is facilitated by our In-country Director, Geofrey Ochari, together with AMP cohort coordinator, Pastor Abraham Koche, and ministry partner from Ebenezer Ministries, George Kooli. They work with pastors and other church leaders around the area and also invite a guest speaker. What a blessing to see these couples coming together seeking to improve their relationships and hear how to create a marriage after God's own heart!
In March, Man Up took a team of college football players to Uganda where they worked along side some Ugandan men mixing concrete and laying bricks for a new dormitory building at Kerith Children's Home.
The first week in March we took one of our biggest teams to Uganda on a mission trip. The team consisted of 37 college football players from two colleges in the States. A great time was had by all! Super Saturday is always one of the highlights on our mission trips to Africa. This day we served around 700 children and spread the love of Jesus in the process!
These are the women of Masese III in Jinja, Uganda. In partnership with Home Again Ministries, Man Up has helped sponsor and support this jewelry making program aimed at developing the true potential of these woman empowering them to support their single parent households.
Gabiri Tefiro leading in performance so far in Kibuku district. He is in Phase III and has opened a produce store and tripled his efforts in farming. He currently has 5 acres of land growing cow peas in three separate gardens.