About Noah’s Ark Uganda
25 years of rescuing abandoned children, building loving cottage families, and empowering the Mukono community.
Our Vision
A world where no child in Uganda is discarded or left to perish, but is welcomed into a Christ-centered family, educated to their highest potential, and empowered to transform their nation.
"From Nobody to Somebody"Our Mission
To demonstrate the unconditional love of Jesus Christ by rescuing abandoned, abused, and vulnerable children, providing permanent cottage family care, quality Christian education, clinical healthcare, and vocational skills.
Rooted in Deuteronomy 10:18 & James 1:27
Started with Tears for an Abandoned Infant in 1999
In 1999, Peter and Pita Buitendijk traveled to Uganda from the Netherlands. Encountering newborn babies abandoned in latrines and sugarcane fields, they could not look away. Rather than returning to comfortable retirement, they leased a small home in Mukono to nurse critically ill infants back to health.
As the children grew, Peter and Pita recognized that true healing required real mothers and sisters, not cold institutional barracks. In 2006, they pioneered the 22-cottage family sanctuary model, creating permanent Ugandan homes where every child belongs.
Our Story in Mukono
A timeline tracing our journey from a single baby cot to a comprehensive community ministry.
The Divine Calling
Peter and Pita Buitendijk visit Uganda from the Netherlands. Moved to tears by abandoned infants left on roadsides, they committed to building a sanctuary where no child would ever be discarded.
Foundation of NACMU
Noah's Ark Children's Ministry Uganda was officially incorporated as a Christian non-governmental organization in Mukono District with their first small baby cottage.
Family Cottage Model
Moved to a larger compound on the outskirts of Mukono. Pioneered the 22-cottage family living model: rather than institutional dormitories, Ugandan housemothers care for small groups of 8–10 children as real brothers and sisters.
Noah's Ark Primary School
Opened on-site primary school to provide top-tier Christian education for resident children and hundreds of impoverished village students.
Health Clinic & Maternity Ward
Inaugurated the Community Health Center, offering outpatient triage, pediatric treatment, and clean maternal delivery rooms for thousands in rural Mukono.
Vocational Training Center
Established technical workshops in tailoring, carpentry, electrical installation, and IT, ensuring older youth transition into productive adult careers.
25 Years of Hope
Over 200 resident children, 1,200+ students educated, 180+ Ugandan staff employed, and thousands of mothers and infants healed through our Malnutrition Clinic.
Financial Integrity & Certified Governance
Noah’s Ark Children’s Ministry Uganda is officially registered with the Ugandan NGO Board (Registration #S.5914/2568) and is governed by an independent Board of Directors. Our accounts are audited annually by certified public accountants. Over 90% of all contributions go directly toward child care and field programs.