Who we are

Our story

The Azira Foundation was born as an expression of gratitude to someone whose unconditional love and support could only be repaid by paying it forward.

Our founder, Micheal Azira, was once one of the children we serve in Uganda. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of an American expat as well as Micheal’s incredible character, drive and work ethic, he was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

Having achieved his dream, he returned to his benefactor and asked him how he could ever repay him. His answer was simple: PAY IT FORWARD. And thus the Azira Foundation was born.

Our founder

From humble beginnings in Uganda, Micheal Azira earned a full scholarship to study and play soccer in the United States. He then worked his way up from the lowest rungs of American soccer, to Major League Soccer, and to a roster spot on the Ugandan National Team.

To everyone, except Micheal, this is a story about self-belief, hard work, and grit. But Micheal doesn’t believe anyone who claims to be self-made. His is a story about a chance encounter with a stranger whose kindness, generosity and support changed the entire trajectory of his life.

Micheal knows firsthand the power of having someone in your corner who believes in you more than you could ever believe in yourself. He founded the Azira Foundation in 2020 as an expression of gratitude to his benefactor and to ensure that the next generation would have an easier path towards achieving their dreams.

Our mission

To give children in Uganda access to education, nutrition and character development so they can follow and fulfill their dreams.

We want to be a beacon of hope, love and prosperity for our kids and the people in Uganda, while serving as a model for other countries in Africa and around the world.

DISCOVER OUR PROJECTS

Our TEAM

MICHEAL AZIRA

Founder
Micheal was born and raised in Uganda. He came to the United States of America on a college soccer scholarship, graduated with a bachelors in Business Administration and Management and earned a Masters in Sports Management. After college, Micheal signed his first professional soccer contract with Charleston Battery, before moving to Major League Soccer teams Seattle Sounders, Colorado Rapids, Montreal Impact, and Chicago Fire. Micheal is committed to using his platform to give children in his home country access to education.

LINDSEY ALLEN

Board Secretary
Lindsey is a teacher, passionate football supporter, wife and dog mom. As a teacher she sees everyday the importance young people play in society. Since she was young, Lindsey has always loved to play and support football. Working with the Azira foundation has been a way to combine her passion for education and sport into action that helps the youth in Uganda. This work brings a smile to her face daily.

Dennis Makoba

Education Coordinator
Dennis is our foundation’s education coordinator, he has been with the foundation from the beginning and he has done such a tremendous job in terms of recruiting the kids in need and fit for our scholarship program. He moves from place to place to recruit, meet guardians and also delivers the kid’s tuition on time. He makes our education and scholarship program possible due to his hard work and commitment.

Randi Guthrie

Board Media Manager
Randi is a business owner, world traveler, dog lover and most importantly…mom! Randi is a people person and wants everyone in her life to feel like they are the most important. She knows everyone has a different story that needs to be heard and understood. She has traveled to 22 different countries (still waiting on Uganda) and is always ready for more adventure. Randi is committed to making a difference in this world and believes that anyone can. It starts with a smile.

Junior Nyemb

Board Marketing Advisor
Junior is an entrepreneur, writer, and speaker from Cameroon. He is committed to helping people and companies find the truest expression of who they are and the contribution they want to make in the world. Junior is the founder of a brand consultancy called grio where he currently serves as chief empathy officer, leading all brand development and brand strategy efforts. His vision is a world with more empathetic leaders, organizations and brands.

Godfrey Walusimbi

Assistant Treasurer & Project Supervisor​
Godfrey has done a great job in terms of handling any financial transactions needed to run the programs in Uganda. He is an entrepreneur and he has built two successful businesses. Besides being a businessman, Godfrey has had an amazing soccer career. He played for the Uganda National team (The Cranes) for over 10 years and he has also played in different countries such as Kenya, Albania and South Africa. Godfrey has always wanted to use knowledge and platform to help other people in need.

Volunteers

Priscilla Nanjala

Volunteer
Priscilla was born and raised in Uganda, she works with Prudential Assurance Uganda Limited in Centenary Bank as a Financial sales Consultant. She specializes in selling insurance but this does not stop her from giving back to her community. She decided to volunteer with the Azira Micheal Youth Foundation because she believes that the foundation provides a great platform to empower more youths in need through the sports and education programs

Ivan Rwego

programs coordinator

Programs Coordinator

Ivan brings his experience to AMYF after working with several youth sports programs. His vision and energy is unmatched and we are blessed to have him as our programs coordinator.

DIANA KIZZA

Director of Operations

Diana Kizza

Diana, is known for her love and kindness she shares within in the community and the kids who come the facility. She has been excellent in terms of managing the facility and sharing a positive image of the foundation in the community.