KAMPAL, Uganda – What began in a small borrowed room in Kosovo, Kampala that was offered by Pastor Deo Mwanje, has grown into a national force for change. The Remnant Generation, a faith-driven nonprofit led by founder and Executive Director Annabelle Nakabiri today celebrated its 10th anniversary. The organization has, over the past decade, transformed the lives of over 11,000 girls and brought more than 3,000 babies into a world of safety and dignity.
From Rescue to Restoration: A Journey Rooted in Faith and Courage
In 2015, The Remnant Generation started by sheltering just 28 girls who are survivors of sexual violence, teenage pregnancy and helping one young mother deliver her child in safety. That first baby became a symbol of hope. “In that child’s cry, we heard a call to keep going,” Annabelle recalled.
Over the next three years, the organization expanded its reach, launching its first mobile clinic and growing into new premises to serve vulnerable girls in Uganda’s underserved communities with one ultrasound machine which became a symbol of innovation, bringing vital maternal health services to girls in remote areas.
The organization opened its first permanent shelter, The Princess Shelter, in 2019 to offer shelter for girls facing homelessness, rejection, or high-risk pregnancies. Then came Hope City, a bold dream to build a self-sustaining sanctuary for girls made real by the purchase of 20 acres of land. “We didn’t want girls to just survive, we wanted them to thrive,” Annabelle said.
When the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the plight of vulnerable girls, the Remnant Generation co-founded the Teenage Mothers Working Group with Uganda Child Rights NGO Network-UCRNN, amplifying support during lockdowns and raising awareness about the rising tide of abuse.
Between 2021 and 2023, the organization’s Safe Motherhood Program gained recognition from the Ministry of Health and helped equip eight public health centers with safe delivery and postnatal care facilities. Their holistic, survivor-centered approach has now expanded to seven districts and three countries, earning wide respect from public and private sectors alike.
In 2024, the Remnant Generation launched its Thrive Vocational Center, a beacon of reintegration that equips girls with market-ready skills in baking, cosmetology, tailoring, and more. “These girls were once victims. Today, they are advocates, entrepreneurs, and community leaders,” Annabelle said with pride.
The organization also opened Jewels of Honor, a shelter specifically for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, offering trauma-informed care and specialized rehabilitation.
Justice Must Catch Up
Despite these milestones, the fight against abuse is far from over. During the anniversary event, High Court Judge Suzan Okalanyi delivered a stark warning:
“So long as children are still being abused in our communities, we are responsible.”
Judge Okalanyi called for stronger protective systems, emphasizing that many cases go unnoticed or unpunished due to silence and complicity within families.
“Educated parents are not the ones whose children are most at risk. Victims often come from homes where stepmothers, aunties, or uncles are the very perpetrators.”
She urged communities to break the silence and take responsibility for safeguarding children.
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
Timothy Opobo, Executive Director at the Afri-Child Centre, called on the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to enforce child protection laws more aggressively.
“Out of thousands of cases reported, fewer than 10% result in convictions. This lack of accountability emboldens perpetrators and perpetuates the cycle of abuse,” he said.
He emphasized the need for stronger deterrents, faster justice, and more survivor-centered approaches in Uganda’s legal system.
A Call to Collective Action
As Remnant Generation looks ahead, Annabelle’s message was inspiring:
“We don’t need to wait for perfect resources. It starts with what we have. A pastor opening his door. A teacher offering a listening ear. A parent choosing to protect. That’s how change begins.”
She reminded attendees that every girl saved from abuse and every child born into care represents not just a life but a generation of change.
“Science tells us a pregnant woman carries three generations. My mother was a child bride, forced to abandon her dreams. That cycle ended with me. And it must end with many more.” she emphasized
“Together, we can turn stories of pain into stories of purpose and write a future where no girl is left behind,” she remarked
Looking Ahead
As The Remnant Generation enters its second decade, its vision remains rooted in faith, dignity, and community. But its mission is expanding—calling on policymakers, law enforcers, educators, and faith leaders to join the fight against abuse and ensure that every girl, no matter her background, has the chance not just to survive, but to thrive.
