Who We Are
Good Samaritans is a Christian, nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for orphaned and vulnerable children, especially children from the Democratic Republic of Congo who are living as refugees in Uganda. We believe every child is created in the image of God, worthy of love, dignity, and opportunity.
We provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support so that children can grow, learn, and dream again—even after loss, displacement, and trauma.
Our Story
Good Samaritans was founded in 2014 by Bishop Nelson Karegeya in Mbarara, Uganda, under the umbrella of the Vision of Jesus Pentecostal Church. At that time, many church members and community families were financially vulnerable, and a number of orphaned children and refugee families needed urgent help.
The ministry started small—with just five orphans supported through the sacrificial giving of local church members. Over time, as more children in need came to their doors, Good Samaritans grew to host and support 18 orphans, most of them at primary school age.
Today, Bishop Karegeya is based in Canada, continuing to lead and mobilize support through Christian communities in Ottawa, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec, while the core work with children continues in Mbarara, Uganda.
Who We Serve
We primarily serve:
Orphans and vulnerable children among refugee families from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Children who have lost parents due to conflict, displacement, or hardship.
Families in extreme poverty in and around Mbarara who cannot provide for their children’s basic needs.
In a context where government support is very limited, these children look to Good Samaritans as their family, their support system, and their hope.
Our Values
● Faith in Jesus – Christ is at the center of everything we do.
● Love and dignity – Every child is seen, known, and valued.
● Holistic care – We care for body, mind, and spirit.
● Integrity – We steward resources transparently and responsibly.
● Community empowerment – We work with families, churches, and local leaders
for long-term change.
Our Vision
To see orphans from different families become educated, skilled, and inspired by faith and hope, growing into a transformational force in their communities.
We envision a future where children once abandoned or displaced are now leaders, peacemakers, and servant-hearted Christians shaping their societies.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide orphaned and vulnerable children with:
● Quality education – So they can unlock their potential and build a better future.
● Safe shelter and a loving home – Where they are protected, cared for, and
supported.
● Food and basic life essentials – Because no child should go to bed hungry or
without clothing.
● Healthcare – To support their physical well-being and development.
● Spiritual discipleship – Sharing the transforming message of Jesus Christ and
building a strong Christian identity.
We do this by partnering with local churches, volunteers, and supporters to create a
stable, nurturing environment rooted in the word of God.
Our Objectives
Since our establishment in 2014, the Good Samaritans structure has set out to:
● Provide school and health materials to orphaned children so they can attend and
succeed in school.
● Offer a happy home, food, clothing, playground space, and a technical center
where children can learn practical skills.
● Organize and conduct training workshops and seminars to tackle poverty in the
wider community.
● Expand our capacity from 18 children to 100 children, offering long-term care
and support.
We believe that by investing in children today, we are building stronger families,
churches, and communities tomorrow.
Our Team
- Bishop Nelson Karegeya
President, Good Samaritans
Bishop Karegeya is the founder of Good Samaritans and the Vision of Jesus Pentecostal ministry in Mbarara, Uganda. In 2014, moved by the needs of orphans and refugee families from the Democratic Republic of Congo, he began caring for children with the support of local church members. Now based in Canada, he continues to lead and oversee the mission, connecting churches and supporters in Ottawa, Montreal, and
beyond.
Cell: (613) 793-5646
- Pastor Edwards Barbarzard
Director – Canada
Pastor Edwards serves as the Canadian Director for Good Samaritans, helping to
coordinate outreach, partnerships, and support from Canadian churches and individuals. He also assists with visitations and communication between Canadian supporters and the work in Uganda.
Cell: (819) 319-6435
- Julius Irakoze
Director – USA
Julius serves as the Director for the USA, representing Good Samaritans among
American churches, ministries, and supporters. He helps share the vision, organize support, and connect partners to the work in Uganda.
Email:
juliusirakoze@gmail.com
Our Volunteers
Behind every child’s story is a network of dedicated volunteers who:
● Pray for and encourage the children.
● Provide local caregiving and mentorship.
● Support administrative and fundraising efforts in Canada, the USA, and Uganda.
We are deeply thankful for every volunteer who shares their time, skills, and heart.