People

A Single Mother’s Story I met a few women while in Uganda, but one story stood out as a profound example of courage. It is the kind of steady, overlooked resilience that rarely generates headlines, yet it is precisely the narrative that deserves to be told. Margaret, a single mother with no formal education, is in a circumstance that, in many places, would define the limits of what’s possible. But she refused to accept those limits.   Instead, she taught herself English through necessity and determination, not in a classroom. She learned that running a successful business meant communicating with tourists, understanding their needs, and providing quality merchandise that met their expectations. So, she hustled. She worked. She listened. She practiced. And slowly, word by word, conversation by conversation, she built the language skills that would become the foundation of her livelihood. Today, she owns her own souvenir shop. A small business that supports her children and demonstrates that education can take many forms. The most important lessons aren’t always learned in schools; sometimes they’re discovered through the relentless pursuit of a better life. When I bought souvenirs from her, I wasn’t just buying crafts. I was supporting a woman who faced every obstacle head-on and chose to overcome it. She didn’t wait for opportunity to come to her; she created her own. Her shop isn’t just a place to buy handmade goods. It’s proof that determination can change your story, that limits are often about circumstance rather than ability, and that single mothers, especially those without formal education, can achieve extraordinary things when given even a slight chance. She didn’t ask for handouts. She asked for customers. And she earned every single one! Her success reminds us that empowerment isn’t always about programs or funding; sometimes it’s about recognizing that people already possess what it takes. They need the space to demonstrate it. Stories from the Road Every journey has another story waiting to be discovered. Explore more experiences, cultures, wildlife, and people from around the world. EXPLORE ALL STORIES

Meet Isa: Beyond the Jack-of-all-Trades Isa calls himself a jack-of-all-trades, but after hearing his stories and seeing his skills firsthand, it’s clear he’s a master of many things! He manages a construction crew, leading a team of men who help build the infrastructure this community depends on. He’s an expert driver who navigated the winding, unpredictable roads of Rubuguri with calm precision, keeping me safe on every turn on terrain that would rattle most. And he’s one of our most knowledgeable tour guides, a storyteller passionate about hiking and bird watching. He has an intimate understanding of the trails, wildlife, and the forest’s rhythms. It was an honor to have met him, and I look forward to working with him on our future projects!   But what makes Isa truly remarkable isn’t just what he does; it’s what he carries. His father managed a mining team in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest before it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When the forest was still contested ground, a place of labor and survival rather than protection and tourism. Through Isa, those stories live on: stories of a different era, a different relationship with the land, and the complex history that shaped this place long before the world knew its name. Isa is a father of four, deeply rooted in his community, and someone who sees Bwindi not just as a destination but as home. When he guides, he doesn’t just point out birds or name trails. He connects you to the spirit of the place, its history, its present, and the people who have lived here for generations. Traveling with Isa is to see Uganda through the eyes of someone who entirely belongs to it. And to realize that the best guides aren’t those who have studied a place from the outside, but those who have built their lives in it.          Stories from the Road Every journey has another story waiting to be discovered. Explore more experiences, cultures, wildlife, and people from around the world. EXPLORE ALL STORIES

A Father’s Fear Fathers committed to changing their daughters’ destinies. I met fathers in Rubuguri who are quietly rebelling against tradition. Men who work the fields but dream of their daughters in classrooms. They’re making small, brave decisions every day: to invest in education instead of dowries, to believe their girls deserve more. Their quiet revolution is reshaping what’s possible for the next generation. A Father’s Fear: The Gap Year That Could Change Everything I sat with a father in Rubuguri whose worry was etched across his face, not the kind caused by a crisis, but the quiet, persistent kind that keeps you awake at night. His daughter just graduated from high school. She applied to college, a dream that felt both exciting and uncertain. But there’s a gap. She can’t start until next year, and in the meantime, she has to wait to see if she even passed the entrance exam. Months of waiting. Months of uncertainty. I asked, “What is she doing now?” “Farming,” he said. “Digging. All day, every day. That’s all there is for her to do.” His concern wasn’t about the physical work; it was about what happens when bright, ambitious young women are left in limbo without a clear path forward. He looked at me with a kind of honesty that cuts through politeness. “I’m afraid,” he admitted. “I’m afraid she won’t make it to school. I’m afraid she’ll get pregnant before the results even come.” It wasn’t judgment in his voice; it was reality. This is how life is here. Most women get pregnant young, not because they lack dreams, but because when there’s nothing else to do, and marriage and motherhood are the only visible options, the easiest route becomes the most common one. “If she gets pregnant,” he said softly, “that’s it. College won’t happen. Her life will head in a different direction.” He wasn’t angry at her. He was furious at the system, the long wait, the lack of opportunities in between, and the way young women are left vulnerable in the space between ambition and achievement. This father recognizes what’s at stake. He understands his daughter’s potential. He knows how easily it can be lost, not because she doesn’t want it enough, but because the world around her doesn’t support patience. As I left our conversation, I thought about all the young women like his daughter, talented, driven, capable, whose futures depend not just on their abilities but on whether they can bridge the gap. The gap between finishing school and starting the next chapter. The gap between dreaming and doing. For her and many others, that gap isn’t just about time. It’s a test of endurance in a place where few safeguards protect young women from being pulled off track. Her father is fighting to help her survive, and he shouldn’t have to do it alone.   Stories from the Road Every journey has another story waiting to be discovered. Explore more experiences, cultures, wildlife, and people from around the world. EXPLORE ALL STORIES

Meet Gloria: A Leader of the Next Generation When I visited Rushaga Community School to give gifts to the children, I met Gloria. It was evident from the moment I met her how much she cares for every child there. Her compassion comes naturally, but her determination to create change goes well beyond that. Gloria’s own journey began at this very school. Coming from a challenging home life, she has six siblings, and her father left. Her mother left as well, taking three of the children, leaving Gloria to care for three other siblings. Gloria’s path could have been defined by hardship. But thanks to Happy Bruno’s sponsorship of her education, she was able to rise above her circumstances.   Education didn’t just change Gloria’s life; it ignited a purpose in her. Now, she carries the responsibility of her family on her shoulders while also nurturing the next generation. She cares not only for her younger siblings and grandparents but also for the community’s children, determined that they will have a brighter future. What makes Gloria extraordinary isn’t just her resilience; it’s how she chooses to use it. She deeply understands what it means to grow up in these villages, face obstacles that seem impossible, and need someone who believes in her. Now, she’s becoming that person for others. As an expert tour guide for our partnership, Gloria brings something irreplaceable: an authentic connection. She doesn’t just know the trails and the wildlife; she knows the stories behind every village, the struggles of every family, the dreams of every child. When she speaks about this community, she speaks from lived experience. When she advocates for change, it’s personal. Gloria never left Rushaga. After finishing school she returned to her community, working at Nshong Camp as a guide and assistant while continuing to support the children at Rushaga Community School.  “She is multi-faceted, deeply rooted, and full of potential. I am honored to be her mentor.” A photo with Gloria, her sister, and grandmother when I visited their home. Stories from the Road Every journey has another story waiting to be discovered. Explore more experiences, cultures, wildlife, and people from around the world. EXPLORE ALL STORIES

The Reformed Poacher One of the most meaningful conversations I had in Uganda was with a man who once lived on the wrong side of the law, a former poacher who now stands among the forest’s defenders. He didn’t shy away from his past. He openly discussed a time before Bwindi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, when poaching wasn’t yet considered a crime or a threat to conservation. For him and many others, it was never about greed or cruelty; it was about survival.   My family needed food. I needed money,” he explained. “When your children are hungry, you do what you must to feed them. The forest was his lifeline; the only resource he could access in a place where options were limited, and poverty was relentless. Poaching wasn’t driven by malice; it stemmed from desperation. Everything changed when Bwindi gained protected status and anti-poaching laws were rigorously enforced. Suddenly, what was once a matter of survival became illegal. But the story didn’t end there, and that’s what matters most. Instead of just criminalizing poachers, the government and conservation groups began investing in local communities. They created alternative livelihoods, providing training, jobs, and support. They shifted their focus from punishment to partnership, seeing people not as the problem but as the solution. For this man, his shift made all the difference. Today, he no longer takes from the forest; he protects it. He speaks with quiet pride about his role as a conservationist and about making sure the land he once depended on for survival stays intact for future generations. His relationship with Bwindi has shifted from one of necessity to one of responsibility and even reverence. I understand the forest now,” he said. “I know what we could lose if we don’t protect it. Listening to him, I realized a truth often overlooked in conservation talks: people are rarely enemies of nature. Most are just trying to navigate impossible choices without better options. Real, lasting change doesn’t come from enforcement alone; it comes from offering dignity, support, and inclusion. It stems from recognizing that the people who live closest to the land have the most significant stake in its future. And sometimes, the strongest defenders of a place are those who once had no choice but to take from it. His story reminds us that transformation is possible, not only for forests but also for people. And that conservation, at its best, isn’t about keeping people out; it’s about welcoming them in.   A reformed poacher demonstrates the skills he once used to hunt—knowledge he now shares to educate, not exploit. Stories from the Road Every journey has another story waiting to be discovered. Explore more experiences, cultures, wildlife, and people from around the world. EXPLORE ALL STORIES

The Women of Rubuguri Keepers of Culture, Community, and Change Rubuguri consists of 16 villages, with a network of women woven throughout each one who gather, create, and hold their community together in often unseen ways. I met two groups of these women, collectives that meet once a week to weave baskets. They gather under trees, bringing materials and something even more valuable: their presence. As they weave, they chat and share stories about their families, their struggles, and their small victories. They laugh. And they sing, always. The rhythm of their hands matches the rhythm of their voices, each woman contributing to a melody passed down through generations. These gatherings are about more than just producing goods to sell at the market, although that income is substantial. They’re about solidarity. In a place where women shoulder so much, these weekly meetings offer something rare: a space to breathe, to be heard, and to remember they are not alone. And when the work is finished, they don’t just pack up and leave. They sing. They dance. It’s spontaneous and joyful, a celebration that naturally comes from women who’ve spent hours creating and supporting each other. These women are the backbone of Rubuguri. They are mothers, farmers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and culture-keepers. They weave baskets that tourists will buy, and more importantly, they weave the social fabric that keeps their villages united. The women of Rubuguri don’t wait for someone to rescue them. They help each other, one basket, one song, and one gathering at a time.   Stories from the Road Every journey has another story waiting to be discovered. Explore more experiences, cultures, wildlife, and people from around the world. EXPLORE ALL STORIES Let’s Travel For GOOD PLAN A TRIP Explore Destinations Upcoming Journeys Bespoke Travel Stories from the road COMPANY About Our Impact Contact Us SUPPORT FAQ Booking T&C Seller of Travel Disclosure FOLLOW US Instagram Facebook JOIN OUR COMMUNITY MBM Website Terms Of Use Privacy Policy connect@mibellamondo.com The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Mi Bella Mondo.Mi Bella Mondo is a registered DBA and wholly owned subsidiary of Xtrategi, Inc., a California-based IT consulting company established in 2014. ©Copyright 2026 | Mi Bella Mondo | All Rights Reserved

Chef Benny: A Taste of Resilience One of my favorite stories from Rushaga Community School is that of Chef Benny Alex, a man whose journey from humble beginnings to Head Chef is inspiring and heartwarming. Raised by a single mother in the Rushaga community, Benny was encouraged by teachers at a young age to pursue a path as either a doctor or a chef. He chose the kitchen, letting that vision carry him through the daily challenges of life as he dreamed of achieving culinary greatness. I had the distinct pleasure of having Chef Benny serve as my personal chef during my time in Rubuguri. I am grateful that I got to know him personally, as he shared his incredible story with me in between preparing my meals. After finishing his introductory courses at Rushaga Community School, Benny followed his dream at Kabale University, earning a degree in Hospitality Management and Catering. With limited resources, his mother worked tirelessly to help pay for tuition, yet books and other essentials remained out of reach. Benny refused to let that stop him. He sold bricks to cover the costs and make his dream come true. In 2018, Benny started his career at a lodge owned by an Italian company. They provided him with 8 months of on-the-job training before promoting him to a full-time chef and, eventually, to head chef, a role he still holds today. He works during the high season and receives an allowance in the low season, which gives him the flexibility to take leave when needed. This is Chef Benny turning constraints into cuisine. With a basic kitchen and limited supplies, he’s rolling out my favorite breakfast, Rolex! During my visit in the slow season, it was clear from the very first meal that I was in capable hands. His skill, care, and precision were evident in every dish, and he looked after me until my very last day in Uganda by preparing packed breakfasts and lunches. Benny’s dedication to me goes beyond cooking; he was incredibly meticulous about food safety, ensuring he used bottled water for my juices and salads. He is a master of the Rolex, my favorite, the traditional Ugandan chapati soaked in an omelet and rolled with tomatoes and peppers, which was easily the best I’ve had. He always made sure I was well-fed and received the most significant portions, such as the giant lamb skewer he prepared before I left Rubuguri. Benny is also a dedicated father to two children, a 12-year-old son and a 6-month-old daughter. Despite his achievements, he stays humble, kind, and deeply connected to his community, an example of the resilience and spirit fostered by Rushaga Community School. Benny’s story is a reminder that dreams can grow from the humblest beginnings and, with determination, hard work, and a little creativity, flourish into a life that inspires others.   Chef Benny made sure I got the best piece. This lamb skewer was more than a meal—it was generosity, skill, and the kind of care you don’t forget! A farewell celebration with my Ugandan family, hosted by the Bruno Family. They sent me off with lamb, laughter, and love! The kind of goodbye that stays with you long after you’ve left! Stories from the Road Every journey has another story waiting to be discovered. Explore more experiences, cultures, wildlife, and people from around the world. EXPLORE ALL STORIES

Meet Mr. Godfried: Choosing to Show Up Everyday How do you manage to show up for work every day when you see children who need far more than you can provide? Mr. Godfried faces this question each morning as the principal of Rushaga Community School, where the daily reality is an ongoing struggle against limited resources. And every morning, he chooses to show up anyway! He showed me the teacher’s office, so cramped that educators have barely enough room to move while preparing lessons and grading papers. He showed me the boarding room, a vital sanctuary for half the students who live too far to walk home each day, and for whom this crowded room is their only path to an education. He showed me six donated laptops crowded into a space built for two, meant to open digital worlds for children whose potential has no limit. He showed me the teacher’s office, a space so cramped that educators have barely enough room to move while preparing lessons and grading papers. He also showed me the boarding room, which serves as a vital sanctuary for half the students. Because they live too far to walk home each day, this crowded room is their only path to an education. This is the teachers’ office, where they prepare lessons, rest between classes, eat lunch, and handle everything else that keeps the school running. He showed me all of it without apology and without despair. Mr. Godfried doesn’t hide the truth of this place. He shows it. And then he comes back the next morning and does what he can with what he has: broken floors, donated laptops, and rice and beans that are never quite enough. Not because the conditions are acceptable. But because he believes, with everything in him, that these children deserve someone who shows up for them every single day. Watching him walk through those classrooms, I thought, “This man should not be doing this alone.” Being a principal here isn’t about prestige or authority. It is about choosing to believe, every single day, that education matters and that these children deserve someone in their corner. Mr. Godfried is not waiting for perfect conditions to do meaningful work. He is doing it right now, with what he has, because he knows that waiting means losing another generation. That kind of commitment doesn’t come from a job description. It comes from the heart. Mi Bella Mondo, in partnership with Global Peace Media, has launched the Rushaga Community School Initiative to rebuild this school, replacing broken floors and cramped rooms with a safe, dignified environment where these children can finally thrive. Mr. Godfried has carried this alone for too long. Now, we carry it together. Stories from the Road Every journey has another story waiting to be discovered. Explore more experiences, cultures, wildlife, and people from around the world. EXPLORE ALL STORIES