Welcome!

We are the Step Up Family Organisation!

We are a Registered Charity both in the UK and Uganda.

Statement from Ally Gruber, Chair and Treasurer of Step Up Family Organisation

Dear sponsors,

I know that the events and public discussions of the past few days have caused considerable worry, confusion and distress. I am issuing this statement to clarify the charity’s present position and reassure sponsors about the steps now being taken.

Kizzy Lovell and Heather have resigned as trustees. The remaining trustees are Rebecca Dunn and myself. I continue to serve as Chair and Treasurer and retain full control of the UK charity bank account.

The UK account is secure. No money can leave that account without my authority, and further transfers are currently paused while the financial position is established.

I remain in direct communication with Joseph in Uganda. I have received current video reassurance that the children staying at the project are being cared for. Our immediate priority is protecting the children’s welfare, education and continuity of support while these matters are addressed.

Serious and conflicting allegations have been made publicly. I will not contribute to speculation, personal attacks or arguments through Facebook. The appropriate response is to establish the facts through records and evidence.

We are now working to reconcile:

– All sponsorship income received by the UK charity

– All money transferred from the UK to Uganda

– The accounts and recipients to which those funds were sent

– Payments made to schools, suppliers and beneficiaries

– The land, loan and construction arrangements

– The charity’s immediate and ongoing financial commitments

– The effect of recent sponsorship cancellations on the children

The charity’s legal governance is separate from the administration of the Facebook sponsors’ group. Although I have been removed as an administrator of that group, I remain the charity’s Chair and Treasurer. Facebook administrator status does not confer trustee status or control of the charity’s UK finances.

Please do not send money directly to any individual or alternative organisation while the position is being clarified. Please also avoid sharing unverified allegations, children’s personal information or identity documents publicly.

I fully understand that sponsors need answers. A further factual update will be provided once the records have been gathered and checked. If you hold relevant receipts, payment records or firsthand information, please preserve them and send them privately.

Thank you to everyone who has offered calm and practical support. My priority remains the children and ensuring that every decision taken from this point forward is responsible, transparent and properly recorded.

Ally Gruber

Chair and Treasurer

Step Up Family Organisation

Registered charity number 1203953

Our mission is to advance education in Uganda through sponsorship of children of nursery, primary and secondary age and to support general fundraising activities with the aim of providing facilities, equipment or services in support of educational development.

We are all volunteers. All sponsorship money, donations and fundraising money goes directly to the schools for fees or we buy food, clothing etc ourselves and give to the children and their carers.

This way we can be sure your money goes exactly where it is meant to.