Message from Samuel W. Watulatsu, Founder & Trustee

Established one year after my graduation from Makerere University, the Foundation for Development of Needy Communities (FDNC) has now been serving in Uganda for over a decade. I feel humbled to have played my part in responding to the message of the then Vice Chancellor of Makarere, Professor John Sebuwufu, which inspired me on my graduation date on 22nd January 1995. Quoting an anonymous entrepreneur, his simple words still resonate in my mind:

"In this world, many people are imitators and very few people are innovators, therefore whenever you are, never fear to pioneer..."

The same day was presided over by the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni. In his speech, he encouraged the graduates to apply their passion, intellect and entrepreneurial skills to a nation in desperate need of jobs, and an educational system that must train people more effectively with the skills necessary to create jobs.

Mr. Watulatsu was recognized by the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, as Youth Innovator of the Year at the International Youth Day Celebration on August 12, 2007.

I am indeed grateful that these words stayed with me, because when I returned to my home village of Natondome, near Mbale, I was again confronted by the realities of poverty. I still remember three villagers from that time, none of them educated, but all very needy and interested in development and social change: James Khaukha, Samuel Wabyanga Mutambo and James Wapululu. The three were assisting in excavating a pit latrine on the potion of land my late dad left for our family so as to improve the apauling sanitation conditions within our neighbourhood with support from the local subcounty. One afternoon, I chose to interact with them to find out what would help bring opportunities to Natondome Village where we lived. I was truly inspired by their thoughts, which moved me create a program that would directly reach the needy and bring opportunities to the underserved population of Natondome and beyond.

I feel that FDNC is truly modeled on these thoughts, and was created to respond to the needs of the poor at the grassroots level. As an organization, we are determined to be a groundbreaking sustainable development model that can be replicated throughout Uganda and East Africa. Slightly over a decade old now, FDNC has grown and expanded its operations to meet the needs of young people, women, girls, orphans and vulnerable children, school dropouts and other marginalized groups. I cannot forget the opportunity that I had in November 2005 to lead a 22 member delegation of the FDNC Youth Band to the United Kingdom, thanks to the UK-based Care and Share Foundation. During that trip, I was so pleased to see that one of my dreams - helping young people in Uganda to access opportunities and exposure to other cultures and ways of living - had truly come to fruition.

Our successes, however, are due largely in part to the many people and organizations that have helped us along the way. I would like to extend sincere thanks to our board members, staff and development partners, and all of our volunteers and community partners, whose involvement has been integral to our development.

As I now pioneer to build local capacity while concetrating on seeking appropriate means, advise and personnel to take on leadership, I wish to work more with the Board and subcommittees and the team on systems that should effectively work, learning from both opportunities, challenges, lessons and history this great organisation has undergone from inception. I therefore call upon the Board, Staff, volunteers, development partners, friends,well wishers and all beneficiaries in these efforts to build and expand FDNC's vision and mission with genuine values that must not lead to unhealthy relationships in the long term.

All the best from me,

Samuel W. Watulatsu
Founder and Trustee
BA Hons SS/ MA. Organisational Leadership