The project linked to the Bwindi Community Hospital (BCH) and the Uganda Nursing School Bwindi (UNSB) is an extraordinary model of healthcare and training development that starts with the local community and has an impact on the whole country.
The work of the Bwindi Community Hospital is not confined to the hospital’s walls: its 200 staff members constantly organise outreach and mobile care teams that travel directly to the surrounding villages. This extensive work on the ground is essential to ensure that even the most isolated or vulnerable people have fair access to medical consultations and health education and prevention programmes.
To ensure that healthcare provision is robust and sustainable over the long term, the Uganda Nursing School in Bwindi was founded in 2013. The venture began with an inaugural class of just 13 students drawn directly from local communities, but over the years the school has grown to become a true centre of excellence. Today, the institution has produced a steady stream of qualified nurses and healthcare professionals who provide reliable medical care to more than 500,000 people. The quality of teaching is evidenced by a highly prestigious achievement: for five consecutive years, UNSB students have achieved the highest scores overall in the Uganda National Nursing Examinations, to the extent that the number of applicants now far exceeds the institution’s capacity.
To support this growth and ensure opportunities are available even to those with fewer financial resources, A&K Philanthropy — together with contributions from guests and local supporters — has stepped in to provide scholarships to reduce school fees. Furthermore, it has equipped the school with modern facilities, including a new block of classrooms, a wing entirely dedicated to science and practical teaching, and a new kitchen, as well as providing textbooks, software and essential resources for the development of the teaching programmes.
Today, graduates of the Bwindi school represent a valuable asset: many former pupils have excelled in their careers, bringing their skills and making a significant contribution to the healthcare sector in Uganda and beyond its borders.
Uganda, often called the secret pearl of Africa, wins the hearts of those who visit with its breathtaking scenery: crystal clear lakes, majestic mountain ranges and dense rainforests. This fascinating country boasts the highest concentration of primates in the world, providing an unparalleled wilderness experience.
In the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-western Uganda, is the Gorilla Forest Lodge, an exclusive retreat that combines comfort and sustainability. This region is famous for its iconic mascot: the mountain gorilla. About half the world's population of this rare and endangered species lives here, making Bwindi a must-visit destination for those seeking the thrill of a close encounter with these extraordinary primates.
The Gorilla Forest Lodge, completely renovated in 2024 and designed with respect for the environment, offers an intimate and luxurious experience. Its ten suites, renovated with attention to detail, blend harmoniously with the surrounding mountain landscape. The lodge's amenities include a cosy bar, a lounge perfect for relaxation and a refined dining area with panoramic views of the rainforest, where guests can rejuvenate after a day's trekking. A raised platform allows guests to dine al fresco, surrounded by the enveloping sounds of nature.
The lodge's strategic location, a stone's throw from the starting point of gorilla-watching treks, makes it a unique place. Not infrequently, gorilla families come to the lodge, offering guests the chance to experience unforgettable moments in close contact with these magnificent animals, in their natural habitat.
