Emotion and purpose took center stage at the Queen’s Affair event held at Kampala Serena Hotel on Saturday as Ramonah Sarah Olunda Shantal, Chief Executive Officer of Fenna Tujjune and Country Manager of All Green Energy, received a Humanitarian Award in recognition of nearly a decade of empowering mothers raising children with disabilities through sustainable livelihoods.
Accepting the award before a distinguished audience of leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, Olunda reflected on a journey that began nine years ago with a simple but ambitious vision: creating opportunities for mothers often marginalized by society while improving the quality of life for children living with disabilities.
“I am truly honored to receive this award. It is especially meaningful because it is the first award I have received for a journey that began nine years ago,” she said.
What started as a grassroots social initiative has since evolved into a regional empowerment program spanning three African countries. Through Fenna Tujjune’s flagship Hot Box Project—a fireless cooking technology that promotes clean cooking while generating income—the organization now employs 40 mothers in Uganda, 28 in Kano, Nigeria, and 18 in Mbeya, Tanzania.
The initiative addresses multiple social and environmental challenges simultaneously. Beyond creating sustainable employment for caregivers of children with disabilities, the project promotes climate-conscious cooking practices by reducing dependence on firewood, helping curb deforestation, while also protecting women from prolonged exposure to harmful kitchen smoke associated with respiratory illnesses.
For Olunda, however, the organization’s greatest success cannot be measured by employment figures alone.
“The greatest reward has always been witnessing children who were once isolated and stigmatized grow into confident, joyful individuals whose voices are now heard in their communities,” she said.
Her remarks highlighted the often-overlooked social barriers faced by families raising children with disabilities across Africa, where stigma and limited economic opportunities continue to affect many households.
Receiving the humanitarian recognition, she described the award as an affirmation that years of persistence, sacrifice, and community service have not gone unnoticed.
“Tonight, however, being recognized with an award is incredibly encouraging. It reminds me that every challenge, every sacrifice, and every small step has been worthwhile. This award motivates me to keep going and to continue creating opportunities for families and children living with disabilities,” she said.
Olunda also expressed gratitude to the organizers of The Queen’s Affair for celebrating women using their platforms to drive meaningful social change.
“My sincere thanks to the team behind The Queen’s Affair for recognizing the power of purpose and service. Thank you for creating a platform that celebrates Queens who are making a positive impact in their communities,” she added.
In an emotional conclusion, she dedicated the award to the people whose commitment has sustained the organization’s mission over the years.
“To the Fenna Tujjune volunteers, mothers, children under our care, and the All Green Energy team, this award belongs to all of you. It is no coincidence that you’re receiving it on my behalf.”
She further pledged All Green Energy’s continued support for initiatives championing women and community transformation, applauding Queen’s Affair founder Ronnah and her team for creating a platform that empowers women to lead change.
“To Ronnah and the team, this is the beginning of you creating greatness in queens. All Green Energy will stand right behind you—we are one call away.”
The recognition marks an important milestone for Fenna Tujjune, whose work continues to demonstrate how social entrepreneurship can simultaneously advance disability inclusion, women’s economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and community development across Africa.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article