MARY NAKYANZI
CHARITY FOUNDATION (MNCF)
Restoring Dignity Through Justice, Compassion and Opportunity
We provide free legal aid, humanitarian support, and justice advocacy for prisoners, their families, and other vulnerable persons across Uganda
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
Men’s section
476.3%
Women’s section
369.7%
Remand section
307.8%
Capacity 393, population 1,872
Capacity 33, population 122
Capacity 370, population 1,139
THE REALITY WE FACE
A visit to kirinya Prison in Jinja in 2015 changed everything. What began as a simple visit became a lifelong commitment after witnessing severe overcrowding, unmet basic needs, and hundreds of people living in conditions that challenged their dignity.
Today many of those challenges exist.
OUR PROGRAMS
HUMANITARIAN & WELFARE support
Supporting prisoners, families affected by incarceration, and other vulnerable persons with basic needs and emergency relief
PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICES
providing free legal assistance to indigent persons, promoting access to justice, reducing prolonged detention, and supporting prison decongestion
JUSTICE & social ADVOCACY
Working with justice sector institutions and communities to promote fair treatment, rehabilitation, and practical reform.
Measuring Our Impact
MNCF tracks impact through verified outcomes and documented support delivered. Our figures are updated periodically.
2.5K+
Prisoners Supported
450+
Households Reached
1.2K+
Legal Cases Managed
85+
Advocacy Programs
OUR STORY
Mary Nakyanzi Charity Foundation (MNCF) began in 2015 after the founder, Isaac Newton Kyagaba, was approached while attending a court session in Jinja by the prison cleric of Kirinya Prison. It was during a fasting period. The cleric described the conditions inside the prison and the basic needs many inmates could not meet. With permission from prison authorities, the founder accessed and spoke to prisoners in the remand section, the women’s wing, and the convicted section. The congestion and lack of basic necessities were difficult to ignore. Mary Nakyanzi, after whom the Foundation is named, was the first to contribute financially to support prisoners encountered during those early visits. What began as a simple act of support became repeated visits, sustained assistance, and long term commitment.
WHAT MNCF DID BEFORE FORMAL REGISTRATION
Before MNCF was formally registered, the work was direct and practical. We fed prisoners, provided soap and basic necessities, supplied menstrual pads for women, contributed medicines and essential items, and supported those released after serving their sentences. We visited regularly, encouraged inmates, and provided mentorship.
WHY SUPPORT MNCF
Every contribution creates opportunity.
support from individuals, institutions, and partners enables MNCF to provide legal assistance, humanitarian support, prison outreach, mentorship, and community reintegration.
- Jinja Prison statistics for June 2025 show the level of pressure the system continues to face:
- Men’s section: capacity 393, population 1,872, occupancy 476.3 percent
- Women’s section: capacity 33, population 122, occupancy 369.7 percent
- Remand section: capacity 370, population 1,139, occupancy 307.8 percent
THE REALITY WE ADRESS
TRANSPARENCY
Registered Indigenous NGO
Nationwide Permit to Operate
MNCF is a registered Indigenous Non Governmental Organisation under the NGO Act Cap 109 and holds a valid Permit to Operate authorising nationwide activities in Uganda.
Independent Governance
Committed to Accountability