Dr. Barbara Ofwono Buyondo is the Founder, Principal, and Director of (VES), a visionary education group in Uganda. Since starting with a single preschool classroom in Mengo in 1999, she has expanded VES to five campuses, serving over 5,000 students in the Mengo, Namugongo, Kyanja, Kyanja-Kaliro, and Entebbe communities, with a staff of more than 530, inclusive of over 60% women.
A Journey Rooted in Community and Courage
Surviving a grenade attack as a child in 1979, Barbara’s early trials shaped her lifelong mission of service and care. Inspired by her father’s humility and community devotion, she launched her first preschool with just US $350—driven by a spiritual calling and determination. Today, VES is renowned for its inclusive model, deep community engagement, and sustainable educational impact.
Academic Credentials & Institutional Building
Barbara holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Makerere University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the Uganda Management Institute, and an Honorary Doctorate in Education. She established VES using a blend of faith-based values, strategic leadership, and educational innovation. By 2017, the organization had generated US $2.3 million in revenue, operated three campuses, and provided employment for over 400 staff, predominantly women.
Empowerment through Asset-Based Community Development
A champion of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), Barbara partners with local communities in Mengo, Namugongo, Kyanja, Kyanja-Kaliro, and Entebbe on initiatives ranging from sanitation and infrastructure improvement to micro-enterprises and scholarships. A notable collaboration with Abundant Leadership Institute has trained VES staff and community leaders in actionable local interventions and change-making.
Adaptation & Innovation: Leading through Crises
When Uganda’s schools were closed in 2020, Barbara launched a Virtual Campus, ensuring continuity of learning. This swift pivot attracted national attention and positioned VES at the forefront of educational innovation in crisis response.
Recognition, Reach & Leadership
Widely featured on NTV Uganda’s “Women and Power”, Barbara is known for her personal courage and community impact. She is also a founding fellow of the Kurumbuka Leadership Initiative, which develops visionary local leaders.
Why Dr. Buyondo Moves Nations
Multi-Campus Educational Leadership: Founded and scaled VES from one classroom to five campuses serving 5,000+ students
Community Mobilisation: Co-created infrastructure and livelihood solutions in Mengo, Namugongo, Kyanja, Kyanja-Kaliro, and Entebbe
Women-Led Growth: Empowers a predominantly female workforce, with over 530 staff
Adaptive Innovation Introduced virtual schooling during national shutdowns
Local Leadership Development: Trains staff and local leaders through fellowships and partnership programmes
Dr. Barbara Ofwono Buyondo embodies Postdator’s #WomenWhoMoveNations ethos: a courageous, community-rooted leader whose educational vision, compassionate leadership, and adaptive resilience are transforming communities and setting new standards for inclusive development in Uganda.
