In the 1990s, I had the privilege of knowing a remarkable man, Khalid Sheikh, whose dedication to his country was unparalleled. Though he has now departed to be with God, his spirit and legacy continue to inspire friends, family, and countless countrymen. Khalid loved Uganda deeply, and this love led to the founding of the BABA Foundation and the "Buy Ugandan, Build Uganda" initiative. Today, we thank Shahid Sheikh OBE, Khalid’s youngest brother, and his team for carrying forward the proud legacy of the late Khalid Sheikh, a true son of Jinja, Uganda.

Far Away Friends' journey to connect with the BABA Foundation and initiate a transformative project in Uganda is a testament to their shared passion and unwavering commitment. This partnership began with a simple introduction, ignited by mutual dedication to Uganda's development.

The connection was facilitated by a common acquaintance who recognized Trustee Mr. Shahid Sheikh's deep devotion to the betterment of Uganda. Shahid’s late brother, Mr. Khalid Sheikh, was an exceptional Ugandan-Asian entrepreneur who earned a Lifetime Achievement Award for his relentless efforts in socio-economic transformation aligned with the UN Millennium Development Goals.

In tribute to Khalid’s enduring legacy, the BABA Foundation was established as a beacon of continuity. After learning about the foundation, Far Away Friends' American Co-Founder, Jayme Ward, passionately expressed her dedication to Uganda's development through a heartfelt video. This video resonated with the BABA Foundation Trustees, including Shahid, who humorously remarked that Jayme might be the only person to match his own passion when discussing a cause.

Inspired by Far Away Friends' vision to uplift Uganda's rural communities through enhanced educational access, the BABA Foundation agreed to collaborate closely with Far Away Friends to bring a unique project to fruition.

After months of collaborative program design, the BABA Foundation made a generous donation that was matched by a grant from Team4Tech, marking the genesis of a groundbreaking initiative: the first primary-school computer literacy lab in the rural district of Amolatar, at Global Leaders Primary School, honoring Khalid Sheikh’s enduring vision for Uganda's development.

With the completion of this pioneering project, a new chapter begins in a partnership poised to make a profound impact. This initiative aims to open doors for Ugandan children, bridging the technological divide and granting access to the wider world.

Uniting their shared missions to empower Ugandans through local leadership and innovation, Far Away Friends eagerly anticipates the boundless good that this collaboration will bring to Uganda. Together, they are set to build hope, transforming lives one connection at a time. Khalid Sheikh’s legacy lives on, shining brightly through every stride made toward a brighter future for Uganda.

We thank the BABA Foundation and Far Away Friends for this project and their continued support.

Willy Mutenza
Chairman, UK-Africa Business Summit
Managing Director, The Promota Africa Group