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Childhood and First Encounters

The idea of founding an organization grew out of the personal life story of its founder, Julius Lule.
From an early age, Julius was raised in an environment shaped by community, compassion, and mutual support. His father often opened the family home to neighbors and people in need—sharing food, music, and kindness. After his father passed away at a young age, Julius’ mother continued this tradition: she gave from the little she had to support the poorest families and help young people in the community.

While playing football with other children, Julius frequently met homeless boys. After the game, he would return home—while they had to return to the streets. This stark contrast left a deep impression on him and awakened a lifelong desire to make a difference.

 

Becoming a Teacher and the First Support Programs

After completing his teacher training, Julius worked at a Canadian project school in the village of Tekera, where he helped children from low-income families gain access to education.

Inspired by this experience, he decided to take action on his own. He left his secure position, taught five days a week, and dedicated two days to meeting street-connected children in Nyendo. Together with his brothers, Barnabas Kaggwa and Nicholas Mukasa, Julius developed a weekend program: playing football, sharing meals, taking showers, and washing clothes—simple but powerful gestures that built trust. Before long, they took the first six children into their care and enabled them to attend boarding schools.

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Photo: Julius, Barnabas, and Nicholas in their early adult years

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Building the Children’s Home and Expanding the Programs

As the number of children grew, the small initiative soon reached its financial and spatial limits. Landlords refused to rent houses to a group associated with former street children. Julius therefore made a courageous decision — he sold part of the land that had belonged to his late father. With the support of Canadian friends, including John Cherry and Emma Dow, a plot of land was purchased and the first small house was built — the Emma Dow Home.

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Photo: Construction of the Emma Dow Children's Home​

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​In 2016, the project became more structured and professional 

Established programs were created, including the children’s home, the foster family program, street outreach (night walks and weekend activities), an education program, and sustainable community projects.

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​​Photo: Barnabas during street outreach work

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Connection to Germany

In 2017, during a nighttime outreach, Julius met Jessica, a German volunteer who was deeply moved by his work. Jessica decided to sponsor a child and stayed in close contact after returning to Germany. Motivated by this experience, she organized fundraising activities and, together with friends, founded the German support association Lights e.V. in 2019.​

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In 2018, Julius officially registered the Lights Masaka Foundation.

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​​Photo: Julius and Jessica cooking together

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A Shared Vision

Today, people from Uganda, Germany, Canada, and the United States work together to give homeless children in Masaka a home, an education, and a future free from violence.

Here is an overview of the impact the Lights Masaka Foundation has achieved from 2012 to 2025.