To mobilize, support, and train men to model healthy masculinity in their homes, churches, and their communities. One of the ways we do that is through our Authentic Masculinity Program (AMP). Our purpose is to disciple men and see them actively engage in the life and discipleship of the family and local church.
Our goal is to end fatherlessness. We believe healthy masculinity ends fatherlessness. Man Up desires to see men live out their roles as protectors and providers. We have seen that men often abdicate their responsibilities because they are unable to financially support for their families. The Authentic Masculinity Program gives them the tools necessary to successfully lead and provide for their families and to fight against the trend of leaving children fatherless.
AMP is a year-long program that starts with intentional discipleship and graduates into business development based on biblical principles. Each man is required to attending weekly sessions and maintain above a 70% attendance rate.
The AMP Program consists of two Phases: Phase I consists of a 12-week discipleship in biblical masculinity. Phase II consists of a 12-week business training & IGA Implementation.
Currently, there are 16 cohorts spread across Uganda and Ethiopia.
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. .
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.
Outcomes (Where cohort members have demonstrated a significant increase): Knowledge and skills related to entrepreneurship, financial management, marketing, and development of business plans Enhanced confidence and motivation to start and manage their own business Community building and a sense of fostering community and collaboration especially among other cohort members Members indicate improved family relationships and increased financial stability Men report gratitude to the program for giving them a "hand up" instead of a "hand out" They are realizing their divine calling to alleviate Fatherlessness Roughly 50% of the men that have graduated are still continuing to meet & pool resources. They report developing holistically as followers of Jesus, husbands, fathers, entrepreneurs, and active participants in the mission of God in the world and the work of the local church. Conclusion: The "Man Up Authentic Masculinity Program" in Holeta provided men with valuable training, resources, and community support. The phased approach allowed for a solid foundation in biblical principles, business skills development, and ongoing mentorship. The program represents a significant investment in the holistic development of men, with the potential to positively impact families, communities, and the local church. Continued monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to assess the long-term impact of the program. Will continue to emphasize the importance of covenant community and accountability; provide ongoing business mentorship and support to participants, explore opportunities to expand the program to other communities, and develop a strong system for tracking and evaluating the long-term impact of the program".