From LinkedIn to Uganda!

Sometimes, the smallest moments can spark the biggest adventures. For me, it all started with a simple LinkedIn message from Alex Atuheire, the Executive Director of Amatsiko Preparatory School in Uganda. He told me about his work with the school, which provides education and meals to over 400 children, many of whom come from vulnerable backgrounds. But he had a bigger vision—one that went beyond the classroom.

Alex wanted to set up a tour company that would bring travellers to Uganda, giving them incredible experiences while also directly supporting the school. At that point, the company didn’t even have a name, just a dream of combining ethical tourism with volunteering at his school. His passion was infectious, and I found myself completely captivated by the idea.

I knew I wanted to be involved.

My Bucket List Adventure

I’ve always believed in the power of saying ‘yes’ to the right opportunities, and as it happened, this one lined up perfectly with my own personal goals. A while back, I had created a ‘50 before 50’ list—a set of experiences I wanted to tick off before hitting the milestone birthday. Two of those goals stood out:

1. Go on a humanitarian trip

2. See a sunset in Africa

The idea of Amatsiko Tours felt like a way to do both while using my skills in a meaningful way. I have spent years working in branding and design, and it seemed like a perfect fit to help shape this new company’s identity.

Creating the Amatsiko Tours Brand

Branding has always been one of my favourite aspects of design. It’s not just about creating a logo—it’s about telling a story, setting a tone, and building a connection. With Amatsiko Tours, I wanted to capture the essence of adventure, culture, and community impact all in one.

I worked closely with Alex to design a brand identity that reflected what the company stood for. The logo itself became a symbol of Uganda’s stunning landscapes and the journey travellers would embark on. More importantly, it represented hope—which, fittingly, is what ‘Amatsiko’ means in the local language.

Once the branding was finalised and approved, I wasn’t ready to step away. I knew that for the company to succeed, it needed a strong online presence. That’s when I took on the next phase: designing and building the website.

Bringing the Website to Life

A brand without a website is like a shop without a front door—you need a space where people can learn more, book experiences, and connect with the mission. I created a site that showcased Uganda’s breathtaking beauty, the tours available, and—most importantly—the direct impact of each trip on Amatsiko School.

I continue to manage and maintain the website, hosting it, writing the occasional blog post, and providing ongoing graphic design support. It’s been incredible to watch Amatsiko Tours grow from an idea into a fully operational company, with bookings coming in and travellers signing up for experiences that directly support the school.

Preparing for My Own Journey

While all of this was happening behind the scenes, I was also making practical preparations for my own trip to Uganda. After all, this wasn’t just a work project—I was actually going!

The first thing I did was book my flight. I wanted to make sure I had the most direct and comfortable route possible, as it would be my first time visiting East Africa. Travel insurance was another must-have; I wasn’t about to take any risks with a trip like this.

Then came the health preparations. Visiting Uganda requires A LOT of vaccinations, so I scheduled an appointment with my GP and a private travel clinic to get everything sorted. I made sure I was covered for:

• Yellow fever (it’s mandatory to have a Yellow Fever certificate for entry into Uganda. The good news is this vaccination lasts for life)
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Meningitis ACWY
• Rabies
• Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio booster

In addition to vaccinations, I was also need antimalarial tablets— crucial for staying healthy in a region where malaria is on the ‘red zone’.

Involving My Son’s School

As I was preparing for the trip, I started thinking about ways to involve my community. I knew that this wasn’t just about me going to Uganda—this was an opportunity to get others thinking about global issues and the power of giving back.

One of the best places to start? My son’s school.

I put together an assembly presentation to tell the students all about Amatsiko School, the children it supports, and the trip I was about to take. My goal was to inspire them—not just to fundraise, but to really think about others, especially during Lent.

The response was amazing. The children were full of questions, eager to learn more, and excited to help in any way they could. Some wanted to organise fundraising events, while others simply wanted to know what life was like for kids in Uganda.

Seeing their enthusiasm reminded me of why I was doing this in the first place. It wasn’t just about taking a trip; it was about creating awareness and making a difference, no matter how big or small.

Counting Down the Days

Now, with my flight booked, vaccinations done, and fundraising efforts underway, all that’s left to do is pack my bags and get ready for this adventure.

I can’t wait to finally step onto Ugandan soil, meet Alex and his business partner Alphonse, to see the work of Amatsiko School firsthand, and to witness that long-awaited African sunset.

Most of all, I’m excited to meet the children, to see the impact of Amatsiko Tours in real life, and to be part of something that started as a simple conversation on LinkedIn but turned into something much, much bigger.

This is more than a trip—it’s a journey with purpose, and I have a feeling it’s just the beginning.