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- thenmclibrary@gmail.com
Right in the middle of the 2020 pandemic, we received the most horrific news dreaded by any family member.
Our beloved brother and sister-in-law, Hilary and Barbra Namanya, died in a terrible motor accident. They were more than family—they were educators, mentors, and champions for every child’s right to learn.
It was their passion for education inspired us to create something meaningful in their memory.
The Namanya Memorial Community Library is our way of honoring their legacy. It’s a place where children and families can access books, technology, and programs that inspire learning and growth.
In Uganda, the reality for many families is harsh. Books are a luxury, and schools often lack the resources to provide even the basics with text books saved for just teachers and the minority whose parents are able to afford them. For children in communities like Nansana, the dream of a good education can feel out of reach.
In Uganda, the reality for many families is harsh. Books are a luxury, and schools often lack the resources to provide even the basics with text books saved for just teachers and the minority whose parents are able to afford them. For children in communities like Nansana, the dream of a good education can feel out of reach.
Collins saw this struggle firsthand. He knew that without access to books and learning materials, children were being left behind. He also knew that Hilary and Barbra would have wanted to change that.
That’s why the Namanya Memorial Community Library was built. It’s a place where every child, no matter their circumstances, can find the tools they need to succeed. Here, books are within reach, computers are available for learning, and opportunities are open to all.
When we lost Hilary and Barbra Namanya, the pain was unimaginable. For Collins Alinaitwe, Hilary’s younger brother, the loss was deeply personal. Hilary wasn’t just his sibling—he was a role model, a man who believed in the power of education and the importance of giving back. Barbra, his wife, shared that same passion, and together, they dedicated their lives to teaching and inspiring others.
Collins knew he had to do something to honor his brother and sister-in-law. He wanted to create a place that reflected their shared belief in the transformative power of learning. With determination and a heart full of love, he founded the Namanya Memorial Community Library.
For Collins, this library is more than a project—it’s a way to keep Hilary and Barbra’s spirit alive. It’s a place where their passion for teaching continues to touch lives, and where their legacy inspires a new
The Namanya Memorial Community Library was born from a dream to honor Hilary and Barbra Namanya by creating a space where children could learn, explore, and grow.
When we started, the shelves were empty, but thanks to the generosity of people around the world, donations of books poured in—storybooks, textbooks, and novels, each one a gift to the children of Nansana.
Shipping these books to Uganda was a monumental effort, but when they arrived, it was a moment of joy and hope.
Thanks to generous donations, we were able to get together to construct a welcoming space, complete with reading corners and a computer lab, where children could feel inspired to learn.
Since opening its doors, the Namanya Memorial Community Library has become a beacon of hope for the Nansana community. Children who once had no access to books now spend hours exploring stories, learning new skills, and dreaming of brighter futures. Parents and teachers have shared how the library has transformed their children’s lives, sparking a love for reading and opening doors to new opportunities.
Partnering with multiple Organisations across Uganda, we have been able to create and run programs like Literacy on Wheels and computer literacy classes which have reached even more families, bringing books and technology to those who can’t visit the library. Every day, we see the impact of this space—children laughing as they read, students researching for school projects, and communities coming together to learn and grow.
Do you want to honor a loved one while making a lasting impact in your community? The Legacy Libraries Initiative offers a meaningful way to keep their memory alive through the gift of education.
If you’re interested in learning more about creating a Legacy Library, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can build a space that inspires learning, fosters hope, and transforms lives—just like the Namanya Memorial Community Library.
Contact us today to start the conversation. Let’s create something beautiful in memory of those who touched our lives.
NMCL is open to the general public providing Free reading resources for everyone within our community
Namanya Memorial Community Library © 2025
