From a young child, Innocent was driven to advocate for the rights of the disadvantaged and marginalized. Raised with eleven older siblings in abject poverty, Innocent is no stranger to struggle. His father, a truck driver with three wives, was routinely absent—both physically and emotionally. When Innocent's father passed away suddenly, the family lost their sole source of income. Food became scarce and hunger pains were constant. Two years later, Innocent was invited by his local church to participate in a child development program with Compassion International. From that point on, his school fees, healthcare, clothing, and food were paid for through his sponsorship, and his entire family benefited as a result.
Innocent began to dream about his future; he knew then that he wanted to start a ministry to care for children in need. After high school, Innocent received a college scholarship through Compassion and graduated from Uganda Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He went on to receive a diploma in Human Rights as well as a Masters of Business Administration. In 2012, Innocent was one of two Compassion graduates from around the world, to be selected for a one year business internship in Colorado Springs, CO at Compassion's headquarters. This is where he met Jim and Catherine Hilger. The Hilger's hosted Innocent during his time in the U.S. and a forever bond was developed. They helped Innocent acquire his 501c3 status for PPMU and get the ministry off the ground. When Innocent returned to Uganda, he launched the orphanage school. He wanted to thank God and Compassion for all he had received by giving back to those in need.
In addition to running PPMU, Innocent is an active member of the Uganda Civil Society and a radio program host, educating local leaders, government officials, and community members about equality and human rights. God continues to confirm His call on Innocent to serve the poor.
Innocent lives in the Kabale District with his wife Karungi and their three sons Blair, Messiah, and Prince. In addition to having a great passion for Jesus Christ, he loves country music, homemade chicken pot pie, and action movies.
Jim faithfully embraced the responsibilities as Board Chairman when the ministry first began in 2012. He was instrumental in helping Innocent acquire PPMU's 501c3 status, set up the Board, and draft the ministry, vision, objectives, and purpose.
An accomplished businessman with a background in finance management, Jim worked as a manager in the auto industry for over 30 years. He loves the Lord, is an avid football fan, and is known as "Popi" to his eight grandchildren. Jim is now retired and lives in Estes Park, CO with his wife Catherine.
Native Ugandan, Karungi grew up in Bushenyi District, Uganda. She acquired her finance degree from Ugandan Christian University where she met our founder, Innocent. After college, they married, moved to Kabale, and started PPMU. She is a natural fit to serve as ministry accountant and school bursar.
Karungi serves PPMU faithfully with strength and integrity. Her role is critical to the Board, the children we serve, and our supporters. Karungi is a woman of faith, mother to three sons, and is affectionately known as "Sunshine" to those who know and love her.
Catherine's background in project management and communications, offers PPMU a variety of tactical skills. Her ability to write, prioritize, organize, and plan, are instrumental in helping the ministry continue to grow. Catherine's been "Mama" to Innocent for over a decade and "Grandma Kate" to her eight beloved grandchildren. Married to Board Chairman Jim Hilger, Catherine is enjoying retirement in Estes Park, Colorado.
A friend of the ministry since it began, Paul brings strong data and analytics to PPMU. Paul is a fulltime missionary with JAARS Wycliffe Bible Translators. He is an aircraft maintenance specialist for JAARS and serves the Lord from the aviation side of spreading the gospel. His specific skill as a mechanic supports Bible translation by ensuring the message of Christ safely reaches some of the most remote people groups around the world. His passion is to reach the world with the gospel. He and his wife Christine have eight grown children and live in Waxhaw, North Carolina.
Ministry Marketing & Technical Support, Monument, CO, USA
Great technical support is a blessing and PPMU is blessed to have Brett. He not only provides strong technical skills to the ministry, he's also a natural visionary and successful entrepreneur. He brings a much needed "next generation" perspective to our Board and makes decisions based on opportunities to succeed rather than fear. Brett has a keen ability to work smart and often times shows the PPMU Board the fastest and most effective way to get things done. Brett lives in Monument, Colorado with his wife Ann and their three children.
Travis is the Serve pastor for New City Church in Charlotte, North Carolina where his primary focus is working “outside the walls” of the church and helping people get engaged in the city and world sharing the love of Jesus. He loves meeting and building relationships with people all around the world and working with partner organizations. As a PPMU General Board member, Travis hopes to bring additional awareness to the global church and use his gifts as a pastor to continue advancing the heart and mission of our ministry. He and his wife Kate and their son live in Matthews, North Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte.