Our story
Our story
Fight for the Forgotten partners with marginalized and vulnerable communities — particularly the Batwa Pygmies in Uganda — to restore dignity and build sustainable futures.
Our holistic approach acknowledges that a strong, healthy, and thriving community depends on many interconnected factors.
Fight for the Forgotten partners with marginalized and vulnerable communities — particularly the Batwa Pygmies in Uganda — to restore dignity and build sustainable futures.
Our holistic approach acknowledges that a strong, healthy, and thriving community depends on many interconnected factors.
Organization Milestones
-
2011
The Beginning
- Professional Fighter Justin Wren makes first contact with the Pygmy people
-
2012
The Organization
- Fight For The Forgotten founded
- Justin returns to the Congo
-
2013
The Mission Commences
- Justin starts researching water drilling
- Lives in Congo for one year
-
2014
The Foundation
- FFTF builds well-drilling team
- First successful well in Congo Ituri rainforest
- 15 wells completed during the calendar year
-
2015–2018
Building Up
- 3000 acres of land purchased on behalf of 13 communities of the Mbuti Pygmy People
-
2018
Sustainable Growth
- Purchased 60 acres of land in Uganda for the Batwa People
- Started construction of water, housing and sanitation
-
2019–2021
Progress
- 8 wells completed in Bundibugyo district
- Batwa community relocated to Karambi village on land they now own
-
2021–2024
Focus Widens
- Growth into agriculture and vocational training
- Rainwater harvesting
- Secured communal land for health care facility, community center, market, staff housing, and school
- Ugandan team expands
- Two wells drilled in Karambi
-
2024
Whole Community Development
- Groundbreaking on the Olangama Community Hub, Critical Access Hospital, Maternity Ward and Mother’s House
-
2025
Expanding Operations
- Expanded Uganda operations to include Kisoro District
- Purchased land for the Kanaba people
- Rainwater harvesting in Gitebe, Mgahinga, Kanaba, and Kisoro Batwa communities
- 90 community members graduate from vocational school into new businesses
- Karambi Hub grand opening
-
2026
Deepening Community Impact
- Karambi Health Care Center and Maternity Ward open
- Cultural Pavilion and Heritage Site for the Batwa opens
- Gitebe School improved
- First baby is born at Karambi HC
- Kanaba community center construction begins
- Primary school groundbreaking and new construction in Karambi
Waves of Change
A Changemaker dinner & fundraising event
Waves Of Change
This Giving Gala will gather our most impactful supporters for an intimate evening of connection, gratitude, and global change.
Fight Family
It's incredible to see what's happening on the ground in Olangama! The walls are going up at the community space and health center, and this project is truly beginning to take shape before our eyes.
From the Forest to Farming
This season has been a turning point for the Olangama community.
Meet a Member of the Batwa Community
While progress is being made on the community hub and watching farms grow. I wanted to take a moment to shine light on one of the elders in our community.
Olangama is Growing
Olangama is Growing. So is Hope.
The Power Of Song And Dance
For generations, the Batwa people of Bundibugyo, Uganda, lived in harmony with the dense forests of the wenzori Mountains, surviving as skilled hunters and gatherers, deeply connected to the land and its rhythms.
Family Growing, Impact Deepening
What a trip! I just returned from a very powerful two weeks on the ground in Uganda.
Water is Life
Greetings from Uganda, I'm back in the field to help with our ongoing efforts and thought what a better way for us to celebrate World water day March 22, than by showing off our most recent video project.