My name is Damali Mirembe Manyindo. I am the Founder and Director of Sonrise Baby Home in Jinja, Uganda. I am happily married and we have 3 beautiful girls. I felt called to care for orphans since the time I was growing up in a children's home myself. After my mother passed away from HIV/AIDS when I was eight years old and my uncle passed away in that same year, my siblings and I went to live in a children's home called, "Good Shepherd's Fold" (GSF) in Jinja. My siblings, cousins, and I received the best care possible and were able to thrive and grow. As an orphan myself, I dreamed of providing the kind of love and care that I received to other Ugandan children.
I was very fortunate to have sponsors and receive support during my life at GSF. After leaving GSF, I went to the University and studied Psychology and Social Science. Throughout college, I volunteered at "Give International", which is a missions organization here in Jinja. Upon graduation, I received my dream job to care for orphans through working with an organization called "Samaritan's Purse". I specifically worked with the "Orphan Care and Equip Project" here in Uganda.
In March 2009, I made the decision to embark on my next dream: to care for orphans full-time. I prayerfully considered this decision, and felt like this is what God was calling me to do. The Lord led me away from Samaritan's Purse full-time into one of the most rewarding jobs I could ever imagine! God led me to a home outside of Jinja, Uganda that was right across from the Nile River and was available for rent. After much prayer, I decided to rent the house and open Sonrise Babies Home there. I began visiting some babies that I had heard needed care and nourishment. I visited villages, pastors, and homes to see the situations where these babies were living. Babies were also brought to us from as young as one day old due to a parent’s death, abandonment, or just needing a temporary safe place to live. We provided then and still provide today a safe Christian environment where all babies are fed, loved, and know the love of Jesus. The babies are with us until about 3 years of age when they will be reunited with their family or locally adopted. If neither option is possible, they move to a Christian children’s home where they will receive support and begin school.
Today over 10 years later, God has blown me away with His provision for His children!! He has provided us with new land, the finances to build 6 ‘family style’ homes, a water well for clean water, rich soil to plant crops and we have already harvested some of this for food, and we have received half of the finances needed to purchase solar panels - ALL within 1 year! This is a true testimony of what He can do when we trust and pray. We are in awe of His provision for His children that what He starts, He WILL finish! Praise the Lord!
We have seen many babies come to us who are severely malnourished and needing medical care. Thanks to our loving sponsors, we have been able to provide this care to so many babies over the years. We would love for you to join the Sonrise Baby Home family and support us so we are able to rescue many more vulnerable babies in Uganda. ~Damali