Press Kit

History of Uganda Orphans Fund (UOF) [Download PDF]

Founded in 2002 by Duncan Hill in Bozeman, Montana, Uganda Orphans Fund (UOF) is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit foundation, dedicated to the rescue, care and shelter of Ugandan orphans who have lost their parents from AIDS.

Uganda is an equatorial East African country roughly two-thirds the size Montana. Located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria at the source of the Nile, Uganda has 28 million people. (Montana has less than one million). The typical Ugandan family has 7 children. At present, 2.5 million orphans are languishing in Uganda. This number could double or triple in the next 10 years.

UOF relies solely on contributions to fund the construction of children's homes and to meet the orphans’ basic needs. Due to UOF’s stream-lined, low-overhead, “under-the-radar” structure and philosophy, more than 90% of donations directly impact the children.

The cost of an orphan home for 50-60 children is approximately $25,000, including beds, latrines, wells, and a kitchen. UOF has built over 25 orphan homes throughout Uganda since its inception, partnering with other organizations on some projects. 

After gaining NGO (non-government organization) status from Uganda in 2006, UOF could buy and own properties, construct orphan homes and hire staff, thus enabling it to steward its own vision.

UOF recently built a 12 acre “orphan village” near Kamuli, central Uganda, complete with 4 orphan homes, staff quarters, its own school, clinic, church and farm. Here, 30 staff members teach and care for 230 orphans from three different Ugandan Districts. Many of these children were rescued from northern Internally Displaced Persons camps. This orphan village is UOF’s model for the future.

UOF also buys beaded jewelry from Ugandan widows, providing them a market in America. The women are able to provide for their families, and UOF uses the proceeds to directly benefit the orphans in our homes. This project is a win-win for all those involved.

Our main focus is to impart God’s love and heart to each of these children, Uganda’s future leaders!

Contact Information

Uganda Orphans Fund is a 501(c)(3), EIN 02-0656591. All donations are tax deductible.

Uganda Orphans Fund
101 E. Oak Street, Suite A2
Bozeman MT 59715
Phone: (406) 922-0333 office, (406) 539-5820 cell
Fax: (406) 922-0444
Email: duncan@ugandaorphans.com
Web: www.ugandaorphans.com

About Duncan Hill, Founder of Uganda Orphans Fund [Download PDF]

Duncan Hill [click for full resolution photo]

Duncan Hill grew up in Granville, Ohio and graduated from Western Reserve Academy. He went on to complete a college education at Ohio Wesleyan University and start a career in the financial industry. He married his wife, Susan, in 1978, and moved west in 1979. Together they had three healthy kids, a great home, and his business was thriving.

“I had it all…everything that movies, TV, society and Americans say you ought to have,” he says, recalling his 16 years as a successful financial consultant and stockbroker in Bozeman, Montana.

But it wasn’t enough. He felt empty inside and filled the void in his heart with alcohol and excess. The tipping point came after an affair was exposed. He quickly came to the end of himself, tired of living a lie. Completely broken, he gave his life to Jesus Christ.

Following much restoration, he began asking God about his own purpose and calling. “God, what did you make me to do?” After reading Wild at Heart, by John Eldredge, he knew he was made for adventure. In 2001, the Hills attended a conference in British Columbia where they heard missionaries Heidi and Rolland Baker speak about their work in Mozambique with the poorest of the poor. Hill was wrecked by their accounts and felt his own call stirring.

In 2002, Hill made his first trip to Uganda with only one contact. “Once I got over there,” he says, “my heart was completely broken for orphans.” Since that time, he’s been a man on a mission. He started Uganda Orphans Fund, a non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to the care and shelter of Uganda’s orphans. Most orphans have lost their parents to AIDS and also the war in the north.

Initially UOF partnered with other world relief groups and built over 25 projects. Once obtaining NGO (non-government organization) status with Uganda in 2006, UOF now stewards its own projects. Over 90% of donated funds directly benefit the orphans in Africa as UOF has a volunteer staff, including Hill.

In 2007, Hill won the Waring Prize, a coveted alumni award, from his alma mater Western Reserve Academy for his humanitarian work in Uganda.

Looking back, Hill makes it clear that the Lord has made all the difference in his life. He believes when a person is doing what they’re created to do, there’s nothing better than that… in fact, he says, “I’ve never felt more alive.”