WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES
The charity raises money through donations and sponsorship to provide holistic care for orphaned children and vulnerable women in Africa. The Model provides physical care, medical intervention including HIV/AIDS treatment, education ? formal and vocational, counselling and emotional care, and moral and spiritual discipleship. Watoto has projects in Kampala and Gulu, Uganda; and Juba, South Sudan.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net total deficit for the year of £125,689, resulting in an unrestricted funds deficit of £102,658 at year-end. The auditors have identified a material uncertainty regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern due to this deficit and non-compliance with its reserves policy. However, the trustees maintain that the charity has adequate resources to continue operating for at least 12 months, supported by cash balances of £170,472 and expected future income from choir tours.
What the accounts disclose
“In the band £80,001 - £90,000 1”
“Free reserves amounting to £100k, which equates to just over six months of operating income should be held as a minimum requirement.”
“These events and conditions, along with the other matters described in note 2.2, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.” — page 12
“Trustees of Watoto Child Care Ministries hold a controlling position in Watoto Uganda. Grant funding is paid to Watoto Uganda, and during the period this totalled £905,670 (2024 - £618,802). At the year end £nil (2024 - £45,552 ) was due to Watoto Uganda.” — page 35
“Expenses of £1,972 (2024 - £11,186) were paid during the period to related parties that are part of the Watoto Global Network.” — page 35
“Trustees of Watoto Child Care Ministries hold a controlling position in Watoto Uganda. Grant funding is paid to Watoto Uganda, and during the period this totalled £905,670 (2024 - £618,802). At the year end £nil (2024 - £45,552 ) was due to Watoto Uganda.” — page 35
“Expenses of £1,972 (2024 - £11,186) were paid during the period to related parties that are part of the Watoto Global Network.” — page 35
“Trustees of Watoto Child Care Ministries hold a controlling position in Watoto Uganda. Grant funding is paid to Watoto Uganda, and during the period this totalled £905,670 (2024 - £618,802). At the year end £nil (2024 - £45,552 ) was due to Watoto Uganda.” — page 35
“Expenses of £1,972 (2024 - £11,186) were paid during the period to related parties that are part of the Watoto Global Network.” — page 35
“Trustees of Watoto Child Care Ministries hold a controlling position in Watoto Uganda. Grant funding is paid to Watoto Uganda, and during the period this totalled £905,670 (2024 - £618,802). At the year end £nil (2024 - £45,552 ) was due to Watoto Uganda.” — page 35
“Expenses of £1,972 (2024 - £11,186) were paid during the period to related parties that are part of the Watoto Global Network.” — page 35
Year-over-year changes
- Going concern: no going-concern doubt (FY2024) → material uncertainty (FY2025).
Leadership, per the charity’s website
- Vernita Rwotlonyo — Leadership (Co-leader implied by 'handed over the leadership')
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/12/2025)
Trustees
- Julius Rwotlonyochair
- Derek Watt
- Gowan Wheeler
- Jane Elizabeth Penry
- Kevin Crawford
- Ramon Joseph Walsh
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £1.4m | £1.6m |
| 31/12/2024 | £1.1m | £1.1m |
| 31/12/2023 | £690k | £742k |
| 31/12/2022 | £764k | £796k |
| 31/12/2021 | £949k | £900k |
Common questions
Is WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a net total deficit for the year of £125,689, resulting in an unrestricted funds deficit of £102,658 at year-end. The auditors have identified a material uncertainty regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern due to this deficit and non-compliance with its reserves policy. However, the trustees maintain that the charity has adequate resources to continue operating for at least 12 months, supported by cash balances of £170,472 and expected future income from choir tours. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Wenn Townsend.
What does the highest-paid employee of WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES earn?
Per its FY2025 accounts, the highest-paid employee was in the £80,001 - £90,000 band.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| COLEFAX CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £10k |
| THE GEORGE AND ESME POLLITZER CHARITABLE SETTLEMENT | 1 | £10k |
| THE REED FOUNDATION | 1 | £9k |
| THE PETER STEBBINGS MEMORIAL CHARITY | 1 | £8k |
| EA FOUNDATION | 1 | £6k |
| MISS E F RATHBONE CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £3k |
| THE WOGEN ANNIVERSARY TRUST | 1 | £3k |
| COMMUNITY OF THE HOLY CROSS | 1 | £2k |
Charities like this
- CARE FOR UGANDA
- ACT (AFRICAN CHILD TRUST)
- CHRISTIAN PARTNERS IN AFRICA
- AFRICAN CHILDREN'S FUND LTD
- AWAMU
- THE FRIENDS OF NORTH KIGEZI DIOCESE
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WATOTO CHILD CARE MINISTRIES | £1.4m | £80,001 - £90,000 | — | unclear | — | material uncertainty |
| CARE FOR UGANDA | £101k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| ACT (AFRICAN CHILD TRUST) | £204k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| CHRISTIAN PARTNERS IN AFRICA | £13k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| AFRICAN CHILDREN'S FUND LTD | £283k | — | 0 | below | — | no doubt |
| AWAMU | £194k | — | 0 | below | — | no doubt |