Compassion
We listen with empathy, recognise people’s lived realities and approach each person with care and respect.
Who we are
Hope becomes stronger when dignity is protected and opportunity is shared.
Nyar Kwata Foundation works toward a world where every woman and girl is safe, heard, valued and able to shape her future.
Our story and purpose
Nyar Kwata Foundation is a community-rooted organisation in Uganda committed to the dignity, safety, voice and potential of women and girls, particularly those facing social, economic or cultural barriers. We advocate for gender equality, challenge gender-based violence and racism, and support practical opportunities through creative skills, health information, education, storytelling, dialogue and community action.
Our public message is simple: a woman or girl should not have to surrender her voice, safety or ambition to participate fully in her community. We believe that meaningful change involves both speaking up against discrimination and creating practical opportunities for people to learn, express themselves and build confidence.
Creative skills have been one practical expression of this mission. The early girls’ knitting and craft initiative created a setting for shared learning, practice and encouragement. It is a meaningful part of the foundation’s story, but the wider mission also includes education, health information, sustainable livelihoods, gender equality, community dialogue, social inclusion and environmental wellbeing.
Our mission
To empower women and girls from marginalised communities by strengthening access to learning, health information and sustainable livelihoods, challenging gender-based violence and racism, and fostering inclusive, safe and resilient communities through advocacy, storytelling, dialogue and collective action.
Our vision
A just and inclusive society where women and girls are safe, heard and valued; social barriers are reduced; and communities are strengthened through compassion, equity and collective responsibility.
Our motto in action
Empowering rural girls and women means listening to people, recognising their capabilities and working alongside them—not treating them as passive recipients of help. We aim to create space for people to learn, contribute and lead.
Our programmes
Nyar Kwata Foundation’s programmes connect economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods; education, mentorship and life skills; health information and family wellbeing; gender equality and protection from gender-based violence and racism; community outreach and social inclusion; water, sanitation and environmental wellbeing; and creative talent development through Nyar Kwata Films Studio. Together, these areas respond to the barriers that affect women, girls and families, while building on their strengths, ideas and aspirations.
Our core values
Compassion, equity and integrity guide the way we work.
These values help us make choices about how we listen, how we collaborate and how we support women and girls.
Equity
We work toward fair opportunities and challenge barriers that prevent women and girls from learning, participating and leading.
Community
We believe lasting progress grows through local voice, shared responsibility and collaboration with the people closest to the issues.
Integrity
We value honesty, transparency and accountability in the way we use resources, tell stories and build partnerships.
Sustainability
We favour practical learning and community-owned approaches that can continue growing beyond a single activity or funding cycle.
Excellence
We remain committed to thoughtful planning, learning, improvement and responsible delivery in every area of our work.
Our leadership
Leadership rooted in purpose, service and possibility.
Meet the people guiding Nyar Kwata Foundation’s work to protect dignity, strengthen voices and expand opportunity for women and girls.
Founder & Executive DirectorAbwalo Ruth Emegu
Abwalo Ruth Emegu
Known professionally as Ruth Kurt
Abwalo Ruth Emegu is the Founder and Executive Director of Nyar Kwata Foundation. A social work graduate of Nkumba University with more than 25 years of service to Ugandan communities, she leads the foundation’s mission, public advocacy, creative-skills vision and partnerships for the dignity, safety and opportunity of women and girls.
Known professionally as Ruth Kurt, she is also an accomplished actress and musician, with Best Actress nominations and awards to her name. Her experience in performance and storytelling informs a conviction that creative talent can do more than entertain: it can strengthen confidence, restore dignity, amplify unheard voices and open pathways to meaningful work. Through Nyar Kwata Films Studio, she is extending this vision by supporting the discovery, nurturing, training and promotion of emerging actors and actresses, alongside young people learning scriptwriting, cinematography, sound production and special-effects makeup.
The leadership team
Working together to advance the mission.
Our leadership brings together financial stewardship and community engagement.
Ekau-Emegu Charles
Finance DirectorSupports responsible financial management, record-keeping and stewardship of the resources entrusted to the foundation.
Susan Amuge
Community OutreachHelps maintain community relationships and support outreach that listens to local voices and priorities.