Founders

Dwelling Places was founded in 2002 by Henrietta and William Nkemba. Born and raised in Uganda and a social worker by profession, Rita found inspiration in the Book of Isaiah and started a series of initiatives towards helping the most vulnerable and needy in society as a way of serving God. These initiatives came together as Dwelling Places in August 2002, a name they decided on after the verse below.

Rita is a passionate visionary and she is what makes Dwelling Places so unique and special. Her ambition to ensure that every child living on the streets of Uganda has chest to their head on and a safe place to call home is what drives Dwelling Places.

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
— Isaiah 58 v 12

Henrietta (Rita) has also been a vocal advocate for Dwelling Places, using her international musical trips to spread awareness about and gather support for Ugandan street children. Dwelling Places now has a large international volunteer base, mainly in the United Kingdom, United States of America and Canada. As a committed Christian Rita continues to dedicate her life to caring for and developing her children holistically.

William Nkemba is the Chairman of the Dwelling Places Uganda Board of Directors and provides invaluable direction, vision and support to the organisation.