In recent years, Uganda has faced significant challenges and a growing dependence on overseas aid. While often well-intentioned, this model isn’t sustainable or healthy for long-term development. On the other end of the spectrum, countless payday loan companies—many of them unregulated—have taken root, and some have even resorted to intimidation or violence when borrowers fall behind on payments.
For tourists, Uganda can be an unforgettable destination—warm, welcoming, and full of kindness. Yet, behind the scenes, as in many developing countries, the shortage of money often gives rise to various forms of corruption, and it’s usually the poorest who suffer the most.
One area where we believe real, lasting impact can be made is in healthcare. Rather than creating just another charity dependent on Western donations, we’re working to build a more self-sustaining model—one that draws its strength from the Ugandan people themselves. Similar to an insurance fund, we manage a pool of contributions that can be used to cover medical needs. However, unlike traditional insurance companies—which remain out of reach for most poor Ugandans—we do not limit access to these funds. If resources are available, anyone in need can receive help.
The Reality of Healthcare in Uganda: In many Ugandan hospitals, the unspoken rule for years has been: “No money, no help.” This isn’t due to a lack of compassion but because medicines are costly and hospitals are chronically underfunded and understaffed.
The good news is that medical care in Uganda is relatively affordable compared to countries like New Zealand or the USA. For example, a surgery that could cost $30,000 in New Zealand might only cost around $3,000 in Uganda.
Some government clinics provide free or low-cost care but face issues like lack of experienced staff, limited medicine supplies, and poor facilities and much of the health system is funded by donations.
Our Vision: Free Healthcare for Everyone, Supported by Everyone
How can this be possible? Everyone contributes into a shared pool each week — a compassion investment scheme. The more people who give, the stronger and more reliable the fund becomes.
💡 How the Walter Foundation Helps
We’re not an insurance company — we’re a community savings pool for health care and yet we do not secure savings as a bank does to anyone’s account
Every week, a person contributes a small amount. That money goes into a shared fund that helps cover medical costs for any member in need — including.
🏥 How It Works and what makes this different?
- It’s not a personal savings account — it’s a shared fund for everyone.
- If you never need to use it, that’s a good thing — but the money stays in the pool to help others.
- If your treatment costs are more than you’ve paid in, the pool still helps — as long as funds are available.
💸 How Do I Get Help?
Just send us your hospital receipt along with:
- Your full name
- Your membership ID Supplied upon joining if you have one
- The hospital’s bank account details
Send it by:
- Email: claims@thewalterfoundation.org
- Text/WhatsApp: +64 0274847388
We’ll pay the hospital directly. In some cases, we may reimburse you, but only if it’s approved.
❤️ Think of It Like a Subscription
As long as you keep contributing, you’re eligible for support. If you stop your still eligible but there will likely be less help available in regards to funds. The simple answer is that the more who contribute the more likely funds will be available. Its a case of people helping people. Its the only real solution to get the poor out of western dependency and the risk of loan sharks.
Together we can create a sustainable health resource that can provide for everyone’s needs but that’s not all. There has to be a change in mindset as well. People need to experience self empowerment, self governance and grow as a responsible nation. This cannot be left to the government, it has to be people for the people. From its traditional roots effective government was vastly different and tribal. Tribal and community based.
Most traditional African societies were communal, meaning decisions were made collectively rather than by a single ruler. Authority flowed from the people upward, not just from the top down. Disputes were settled through consensus rather than majority vote; the goal was harmony, not victory. Councils of elders were common, respected older men (and sometimes women) who guided the community with their experience, wisdom, and moral authority. The change from this model to a centralised government meant that decisions were being made that effected tribes without the consensus of the group collective and eventually broke apart the unity of a village into the western individualism. As people separated from each other so did the accountability and oversight that kept things in balance. voting a government out, especially in Uganda isn’t as easy as un-electing a tribal official for misconduct.