Our Story
How the Idrisa Foundation came to empower Uganda's youth
Meet Our Founder
The Idrisa Foundation (U) Limited was established in 2025 by Idrisa Kiryowa, a visionary scholar and researcher dedicated to transforming Uganda's educational landscape.
Idrisa is a Master's degree student in Russia with an impressive international academic journey—studying in India and conducting significant research across multiple disciplines, particularly in medical sciences. His achievements stand as testament to the power of quality education and dedicated mentorship.
Despite his international success and opportunities abroad, Idrisa never forgot his roots. He recognized that Uganda—his beloved homeland and hometown of Entebbe—had immense talent but lacked accessible platforms for young people to discover and develop their STEM potential.
"I wanted to be the bridge my younger self needed. That's why I created The Idrisa Foundation."
Idrisa Kiryowa
Founder & Vision Bearer
Education
Master's Degree Student, Russia
Studied in India • Medical Research Specialist
Mission
Empower Tomorrow's Minds
Transforming Uganda through STEM education
Location
Entebbe, Uganda
Headquarters & Community Base
The Beginning
The Idrisa Foundation was born from a simple but powerful conviction: Uganda's talented young minds deserve world-class STEM education, career guidance, and real-world opportunities regardless of their socioeconomic background or location.
In 2025, Idrisa took action. Rather than pursue a solely personal career path, he invested his knowledge, resources, and passion into creating an organization that would give Uganda's youth the opportunities he had received—and the opportunities he wished he'd had earlier.
Starting from Entebbe, the foundation quickly expanded its reach across Uganda, identifying talented students in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions and providing them with transformative STEM competition, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
Our Mission
To empower Uganda's youth through excellence in STEM education, comprehensive career guidance, and transformative work opportunities—unlocking their potential and shaping Africa's future.
Our Vision
A Uganda where STEM excellence is celebrated and accessible to all; where young people possess the knowledge, confidence, and networks to solve tomorrow's challenges and lead innovation globally.
Our Core Values
Excellence
We pursue the highest standards in every aspect of education, mentorship, and program delivery. Mediocrity is never acceptable.
Accessibility
Quality education knows no zip code. We ensure our programs reach deserving students regardless of school location or financial background.
Innovation
We foster creative thinking, problem-solving, and scientific curiosity. We encourage students to think beyond textbooks and imagine possibilities.
Empowerment
We build confidence, agency, and self-belief in every young person. We believe they have what it takes to succeed at the highest levels.
Community
We work collaboratively with schools, parents, professionals, and partners. No single organization can transform education alone.
Integrity
We operate with transparency, fairness, and unwavering commitment to our mission. We do what we say we'll do.
Why This Matters
Uganda faces a critical shortage of skilled STEM professionals. According to various studies, the continent needs millions more scientists, engineers, and technicians to drive innovation and economic growth. Yet many talented young Ugandans never get the chance to explore STEM careers because they lack access to quality education, mentorship, and opportunities.
The Idrisa Foundation changes that narrative. By identifying talented students early, providing rigorous training, connecting them with mentors, and creating pathways to real work experience, we're building Uganda's next generation of innovators, leaders, and change-makers.
Every student we empower has the potential to transform not just their own lives, but their families, their communities, and ultimately, the entire nation. That's the power of education. That's the power of opportunity. That's why we do what we do.