CHALAPI is a non-profit Community Based Organisation operating in the Rwenzori region in the west of Uganda, having its head offices in Kasese District. It is a fully registered community based organisation with Kasese Municipal Council Community and aims to raise awareness of the needs of prisoners, and help improve the conditions in prisons in the area.

10 years ago, Ugandan Godfrey Kule Kiwede found himself in prison after he was falsely accused of stealing equipment from his office in Kasese. He was arrested and put in prison for 70 days. While there Godfrey was forced to do hard labour in the fields, was beaten by the guards, had an asthma attack from which he nearly died because he was not allowed any treatment and he suffered in other ‘untold stories’. However, he believed God had a purpose for him in this suffering. He befriended his fellow prisoners, most of whom he realised like him, had not been convicted. Godfrey listened to their stories, learned the language of prison, started Bible studies and resolved to try and improve conditions for them once he was released. In his heart, he set up the Centre for Hope and Life in and after Prison Initiative, Uganda, (CHALAPI-UG for short) and once he was released, proved innocent and had forgiven his colleagues, he made CHALAPI a reality.

Godfrey is the Director of CHALAPI which has a small team of volunteers. In fact, everyone who works for CHALAPI is voluntary, including Godfrey, who receives NO income from this full time role. Please support us!