A Ugandan charity has opened a UK office in Chandler’s Ford.

Musana, which educates more than 5,000 children and treats 36,000 patients per year in its hospitals, opened its UK office to generate support.

The charity, which already has a funding office in Denver, Colorado, works across three communities in rural Uganda.

It runs schools, hospitals, women's empowerment centres, and even restaurants and guest houses to generate income, which is then reinvested into further outreach.

Musana founders Andrea and Haril Kazindra were in the UK this month, holding a vision night at Chilworth Manor and a documentary screening at St Martin In The Wood church.

They later travelled to London, lobbying MPs about international development and the use of foreign aid.

UK Director Paul Smith, who lives in Chandler’s Ford, said: "The response from the Chandler’s Ford and Southampton area has been encouraging.

"No other charity in the world is doing what Musana is doing, and I am so excited about introducing this model to the UK. The community here seems really excited and were delighted to meet Andrea and Haril and hear more.

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"We’ve already got businesses pledging to support and people wanting to go to Uganda to see the work.

"What sets Musana apart is our self-sustaining model, where local income, not external donations, supports the most vulnerable.

"Musana’s social enterprises generate income that cover operational costs, creating 100 per cent sustainable businesses, employing nearly 700 full time staff and utilising profits to be reinvested into the community.

"If anyone wants to get involved, please get in touch!"

Musana has a unique approach; it only raises funds for capital investment for its buildings and does not rely on Western aid for running costs.

Its model, providing quality and affordable education, healthcare, and economic development, raised £3m in the last 12 months.

Of this, £400,000 is profit, which is reinvested into the local community through scholarships and free healthcare.

The charity's name, Musana, translates to 'sunshine' in English.