Our story
How a simple act of love in Uganda grew into Smiling Faces Africa.
It started with a few children and an open door
Smiling Faces Africa was founded by Mukasa Stuart, who saw children in Uganda growing up without parents, enough food or proper care, and decided to do something about it.
Today we are a registered not-for-profit company, caring for 45 children: 20 who have lost their parents, 5 living with sickle cell and 20 from struggling families, alongside our food outreach to families in need. Our team is made up of Ugandans serving their own communities, supported by friends and churches around the world.
Mukasa Stuart
Mukasa Stuart founded Smiling Faces Africa and serves as one of its directors. You are welcome to get in touch directly at smafrica2021@gmail.com.
Rooted in the love of Jesus
We are followers of Jesus, and our faith is the reason we do this work. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” We want every child we serve to know they are loved by God and valued by us.
We pray with the children and families we serve, and we work alongside local churches. Our help is offered freely to every child in need, regardless of faith, tribe or background.
What guides us
Love
We treat every child as a precious child of God, worthy of care and attention.
Dignity
We protect each child's privacy and tell their stories with respect, never with pity.
Faithfulness
We stay with children for the long term, through school, illness and growing up.
Integrity
We use every gift carefully and report honestly on how it is spent.
Partnership
We work with families, churches and local leaders, not around them.
Hope
We believe no child's story is finished, and we work towards a better future together.
Registered and accountable
Smiling Faces Africa is the working name of Hope Smiling Faces Africa Foundation Limited, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee without share capital. We were incorporated with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau under the Companies Act 2012 on 10 January 2024, registration number 80034195944487. We are led by a board of two directors and we are glad to share our registration documents and annual accounts with anyone who asks.
Ask us a question
Join us in changing a child's story
Sponsor a child, give a gift or pray with us. Whatever you give, you become part of a child's journey towards a hopeful future.