Who was Steve Willis?

Steve Willis - (29th August 1967 to 8th November 2005)

Steve was born in the UK on 29th August 1967. He came to Uganda in 1995 with the British High Commission but left the Diplomatic Service, out of love for Uganda, when the time came for him to be transferred out of the country. Steve and his wife, Debbie, set up their fledgling Backpackers’ hostel in Kampala and the Murchison extension to the business followed not long after. On the 8th November last year, whilst responding to a distress call from a group of explorers in the Park, who had suffered an injury, Steve and his party were ambushed by rebels with assault rifles. Steve was shot and killed instantly by a single bullet to the heart. It was typical of the man that he should risk his own safety in order to go to the aid of someone he believed to be in distress. His humanitarian gesture cost him his life, deprived his family of a husband to Debbie and a father to Joe, and a then unborn daughter, Zoe.

What do we want form you?

We would like you as an individual or your company to support us by simply making a donation to the ‘Steve Willis Memorial Fund’ to help us to help improve the lives of some of the victims of the conflict in Northern Uganda.

Where are the funds going?

All proceeds will be banked and a full, public accountability made. Through a reputable and appropriate NGO, the Memorial Fund aims to build its own school or clinic in the war torn north of Uganda - a symbol of hope for the future. The fund will be administered in an appropriate manner as agreed by the fund administrators. These comprise Debbie Willis, Sandra Willis (Steve’s mum), Miranda Bowser and Marie Monaghan. Just under £6,000 has already been raised for the memorial fund - if the target of Ugx 15 million can be raised for this event, the added benefits will be significant.

What do I do next?

Please, please. please contact us and let us know how you can help writing to us and pledging your support to the e-mail address: chilli@infocom.co.ug

Any support will be greatly appreciated and wisely used.