Estella Kabagaya, affectionately known as Maama Children, has devoted her life to giving young Ugandans the opportunities and care they need to thrive. Long before the pandemic disrupted routines and upended livelihoods, Estella was already a cornerstone in her community, running a daycare centre inside Wandegeya Market. Her work gave countless market mothers the freedom to focus on their businesses, knowing their children were safe and well cared for.

When Covid-19 hit and lockdowns led to the closure of early childhood centres such as hers, Estella refused to turn her back on the children. “Even without walls, the mission had to go on,” she says.

Hadijah Nankanja, a social entrepreneur and one of Estella’s mentors, describes her as a deeply passionate educator and businesswoman. “Estella challenges herself constantly. She’s dedicated her life to giving children and youth learning experiences that shape their futures—without ever chasing recognition or financial reward.”

During the March 2021 national exams, Estella noticed many vulnerable children in her community lacked basic materials such as geometry sets and calculators. She mobilised resources and launched a fundraiser, partnering with the School Me campaign to ensure these learners had what they needed to sit for their Primary Leaving Examinations and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education exams.

But the disruptions did not end there. When another lockdown was enforced in June 2021, Estella tapped into her experience engaging with young minds and discovered something troubling; many children were struggling emotionally. “They were stressed, depressed, and uncertain about the future,” she recalls.

This inspired a new campaign: one that focused not only on academic readiness but emotional preparedness, too. Estella first launched a YouTube channel, Mama Children’s Village, to reach out to children and parents with advice, encouragement, and practical information about returning to school. When she realised that many of her target audience could not afford internet access, she pivoted once again, this time, visiting churches and community gatherings, speaking directly to families about the fears and hopes surrounding school reopening.

The conversations were eye-opening. Some children feared repeating a class. Others struggled with the idea of leaving the emotional bonds they had built with their parents during lockdown. Financial hardship, bullying, and mental health concerns were all common themes.

Skilling teen mothers and growing her reach
For girls who had experienced teenage pregnancy during the school closures, Estella saw another urgent need: skills for survival. She organised a fundraiser and partnered with the Community Women Enterprise Network to reach out to teen mothers in Wakyato, Nakaseke. With help from a local midwife, the team provided training in making reusable sanitary pads and counter books, skills that empower the young mothers to earn an income and provide for their children.

Estella also joined hands with respected educationist and parenting expert Mr Fagil Mandy to launch a parenting talk show addressing issues facing children and their families.

Through her organisation, Estella has reached more than 5,000 children and parents with programmes that go beyond academics, from fitness sessions to mentorship, and community engagement to emotional well-being. “Every child deserves a chance to dream, and someone to believe in them,” she says.

As she continues her mission, Estella remains committed to listening closely to the evolving needs of her community and rising to meet them.