Over two decades ago, the HIV/AIDS crisis was devastating communities across Uganda, leaving countless children without parents. Twesigye Jackson Kaguri lost two of his own siblings to the epidemic and made a promise to care for his nieces and nephews and ensure they had the education that had transformed his own life. To keep that promise not only for his own family but his whole village, he built a school. That school became Nyaka, and as Jackson witnessed the full depth of his community's needs, his promise grew into something far greater: a holistic, human rights-based approach to addressing every essential need; education, healthcare, clean water, economic empowerment, lifting entire communities out of extreme poverty, one family at a time.
Now celebrating 25 years of impact, Nyaka operates three schools, has educated thousands of students, and supports a vast network of over 23,000 grandmothers who are raising more than 92,000 orphaned children. By investing in education and empowering grandmothers, Nyaka is fostering long-term, sustainable change in entire communities.
NYAKA & THE NYC MARATHON
In 2018, thanks to a devoted supporter, Nyaka became an official charity partner of the NYC Marathon. This partnership has become one of the most impactful ways for us to raise critical funds and share our mission with a global audience. Over eight marathons, 121 runners from across the country have raised more than $785,000 for children and grandmothers in Uganda. Each year, a dedicated team of runners trains, fundraises, and competes in the world's most renowned marathon, spreading Nyaka's story along the way.
On marathon weekend, while our team runs through the streets of New York City, Nyaka also hosts a marathon in Uganda. Athletes, students, teachers, elders, and community members come together to run in solidarity with Team Nyaka, demonstrating the unity and shared purpose that drive our work forward.
TEAM NYAKA 2026
This year, we are proud to introduce Team Nyaka 2026, our largest team to date, united by a shared commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children and grandmothers in Uganda. On Sunday, November 1st, these incredible individuals will take on the 26.2-mile challenge through New York City as the marathon celebrates its historic 50th anniversary of the five-borough course. Their journey will not only test their endurance but also raise vital funds to support Nyaka's programs.
Jackson Kaguri will be at Team Nyaka’s side during the whole marathon weekend in NYC, and personally cheering on each of our runners to celebrate their incredible achievements.
YOUR SUPPORT CHANGES LIVES
By donating to a Team Nyaka runner, you directly contribute to life-changing programs in Uganda. Here are some examples of how your generosity can make a tremendous impact:
$25: Provides a Nyaka grandmother with seeds and tools to establish a home garden growing vegetables and fruits for their family
$50: Covers a Nyaka student's school uniform and supplies for one year
$75: Facilitates training for one grandmother group (in financial literacy, livestock, or sustainable agricultural best practices)
$100: Provides a micro-loan for a Nyaka grandmother to start a small business
$250: Provides dignity kits for 10 survivors of sexual abuse receiving care through Nyaka
$350: Constructs a sanitary kitchen or pit latrine for a grandmother's home
$500: Funds essential emergency medical supplies for Nyaka's clinics
$1,000: Provides a secondary school student with their complete education, housing, meals, medicine, and supplies for one year
$1,500: Covers the complete construction of a safe and stable home for a Nyaka grandmother, including a house, separate kitchen structure, and pit latrine
$3,000: Creates a new revolving micro-finance loan fund for a full group of Nyaka Grandmothers to start small businesses and boost their livelihoods
JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Support our runners, amplify our mission, and help us create lasting change for vulnerable children and grandmothers in Uganda.
Visit www.nyakaglobal.org to learn more.
Thank you for standing with Team Nyaka 2026!
Nyaka is an official US 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID: Nyaka Inc #35-2153719
To mail a check, include a note specifying it's on behalf of the marathon and/or your runner and send to: Nyaka Inc, PO Box 339, East Lansing, MI 48826
