Kuruka Turns His Passion for Children into a Lasting Ministry

Long before he became a reverend, Kuruka could usually be found surrounded by children.

As a student at African Christian College, he regularly organised fun days that brought together children from neighbouring communities. While many students invested their time in other activities, Amutuhaire Kuruka was happiest encouraging young people, playing with them, and pointing them to Christ.

What began as a passion on campus became a lifelong commitment.

After returning home to Uganda, Kuruka was ordained as a reverend and entrusted with greater responsibilities in the church. For many ministers, that would have meant stepping away from children’s work to focus on what some consider more important ministries.

Kuruka made a different choice.

He believed that if Jesus welcomed children, the Church should do the same. Instead of leaving the children’s ministry behind, he expanded his vision.

At the height of his ministry, he established Josiah Youth and Child Care Africa, an organisation dedicated to helping children and young people discover their purpose while developing practical skills for life.

The organisation provides opportunities for young people to explore music, sports, agriculture, information technology, and culinary arts. It also offers career guidance, mentorship, psychosocial support, and Christian discipleship, helping young people grow in both character and confidence.

For Kuruka, the need became especially clear during school holidays.

When classrooms close, many children have little structure or supervision. Some drift into harmful activities simply because they have nothing meaningful to do.

Josiah Youth and Child Care Africa provides a different path.

“We have been blessed with a facility where we can provide these lessons and help nurture the next generation,” Kuruka says.
The centre has become a place where children learn new skills, discover their talents, build healthy relationships, and grow in their faith. Rather than allowing school holidays to become seasons of idleness, Kuruka and his team have transformed them into opportunities for learning and personal growth.

For Kuruka, every lesson taught, every talent discovered, and every child encouraged is an opportunity to shape the future. He understands that the future of Africa will be determined by how well today’s children are nurtured, equipped, and inspired to become tomorrow’s leaders.