Kalon Afrika Foundation is not just an organization—it’s a heartfelt journey that began with a personal story, a sense of responsibility, and a dream to give vulnerable children and families a real chance at a better future.
The seed of Kalon Afrika was planted in the heart of our founder, Ronnie, who grew up in the village of Nyansozi, Uganda. His life experiences, the challenges he faced, and especially the powerful influence of his grandmother, became the foundation of what would grow into a thriving nonprofit—active today in both Uganda and Belgium.
What started as a personal commitment became an officially recognized organization in 2023, with a clear mission: to bring hope, create opportunities, and empower lives. Thanks to the dedication of passionate volunteers, strong community ties, and the support of partners, Kalon Afrika has become a bridge between cultures, communities, and people who believe in compassion and solidarity.
Below, you’ll find Ronnie’s personal testimony—a powerful story of how it all began, and how Kalon Afrika continues to grow, one step and one life at a time.
Testimony of Ronnie: The Driving Force Behind Kalon Afrika
I come from a family of nine children, but sadly, we are now seven —two older brothers, an older sister, myself, and three younger sisters. My mom died when I was four, and we later lost both my young brother and young sister. After my mother’s death, it became too difficult for my father to balance work with caring for us. As a result, my siblings and I moved to our grandparents’ home in Nyansozi (the ‘village of mountains’), located in the Karambi Zone, North Division, Fort Portal City, which was a very rural area at the time. My father stayed in the city to continue working.
Life in Nyansozi was completely different from city life. The adjustment was challenging, with no electricity, poor-quality roads, and many families and children struggling to make ends meet in the village.
About My Grandparents
My grandparents didn’t only care for us but also took in several of our cousins, so the house was always full of activity. My grandmother, or “Mukaka” as we called her in our language (Rutooro), played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Her name was Kabatooro Salomi, and her pet name was Abwooli. She had 11 children, four of whom passed away.
Thanks to my grandparents’ support and some financial help from my father, I was able to continue going to school. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough money for my other cousins. Despite the difficulties, my grandmother was very hospitable. She always said, “You don’t live for yourself, but for and with others.”
Her house was always tidy, prepared for unexpected visitors, and there were always extra portions of food. If someone from the village ended up in the hospital, my grandmother would bring them basic necessities, as these were not provided by the hospital.
The Origin of the Name Kalon
My grandmother had a special way of pronouncing our English names. She called me “Ka-lonnie” instead of Ronnie. She had difficulties with pronouncing the letter ‘R’, so that’s why she was calling me Lonnie instead of Ronnie. The “Ka” is a diminutive, which in Dutch would translate to “Ronnietje.” Eventually, everyone in the village started calling me “Kalonnie.”
Grandma passed away in April 2019 at the age of about 103. Even towards the end of her life, she reminded us, “Don’t forget, you don’t live for yourself, but for everyone.” She asked us to always keep our doors open to help anyone in need.
Inspiration and Leadership
I remember when I was in my final year of secondary school. Following my grandmother’s teachings, I became a student leader, helping others at all levels. One student I helped was a teenage girl who had to take care of her child while attending school. I negotiated with a local hairdresser to allow her to train part-time, which let her balance school and her responsibilities as a mother.
When I started working as a radio journalist, I didn’t earn much, but I still supported my sisters and looked for ways to help other vulnerable kids from my village. Many organizations I approached were already overwhelmed with street children from the city or had political entanglements. Still, I was determined to make a difference in my village.
I spoke with some kind-hearted people about starting an organization to support vulnerable children from Nyansozi. The idea was warmly welcomed, even by the village leadership. I began drafting my vision for the organization, sharing it with those who could help. Among them were Mrs. Lucy Basemera (now our Chairperson in Uganda) and Mrs. Rosette Kobusinge (current Finance Officer in Uganda). They volunteered their leadership skills to help establish the organization.
The Founding of Kalon Afrika
Together with my wife Emma, we decided in 2019 that we had to do something in Belgium as well. We shared our idea with Mr. Dirk, a good family friend of Emma’s parents. He later traveled to Uganda to assess the situation firsthand. Moved by the urgent need for support, especially among vulnerable families in my community, he offered to become the leader of our Belgian branch.
This is how Kalon Afrika was born. The organization was fully registered and recognized by the Ugandan government, with a full board of members. Simultaneously, the branch in Belgium was successfully established and registered with a tax number. Today, Mr. Dirk Demeulemeester serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors in Belgium, while Mrs. Lucy Basemera leads as Chairperson in Uganda. Both are supported by a dedicated team of board members and volunteers.
A Dream Realized
I am proud that Kalon Afrika embodies the values my grandmother held dear—offering support to those in need. Through this organization, I maintain a strong connection with my community in Uganda. Kalon Afrika is truly a dream come true, and I hope that with the continued support of well-wishers, donors, partners, and friends, we can not only keep this dream alive but also provide a brighter future for the vulnerable children we support.
Every contribution can make a huge difference in the lives of these children, giving them hope and the opportunity to reach their full potential.