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Sponsorship in Uganda

There are two CFCA projects in Uganda - one in Masaka and the other in Busunju, serving children and aging.

The Busunju project works with some of the area’s poorest children, many of whom have lost one or both parents to AIDS. CFCA has assisted in providing payment for doctor’s visits, medication, nutrients and regular check-ups, as well as flu vaccinations, anti-malarial pills, dental and vision care. Sponsorship also helps with school fees, supplies and uniforms. CFCA works with families on income-generating activities such as raising cows or pigs.

Aging persons in the Busunju project receive benefits such as regular food allotments, medical care, clothing, blankets, values formation opportunities, and help with home repairs and construction. The project also partners with an AIDS clinic to assist the large number of families and individuals affected by the disease.

In the Masaka project, vocational training such as carpentry, sewing and weaving classes are available. CFCA assists youth with school fees, school supplies, uniforms and medical care. The project has also provided building materials for homes.

About Uganda

Magnificent scenery, thick tropical forests, savannas, beautiful lakes and wild animals such as the huge mountain gorilla are part of the East African country of Uganda. The country’s fertile soil and regular rainfall help with farming. Large deposits of copper and cobalt are other plentiful natural resources, and coffee is the major export.

Though Uganda became an independent country in 1962, the Ugandan people were subjected to political upheaval and social turmoil for many years. Idi Amin, dictator throughout the 1970s, was responsible for more than 300,000 deaths, causing thousands to flee the country. Milton Obote, who ruled from 1980 to 1985, claimed 100,000 more lives. Now, Uganda is experiencing a period of relative peace, although some insurgencies continue in the northern part of the country, along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The current economy is based largely on agriculture, with major exports being coffee, fish, tea and electrical products. Located on the equator, Uganda enjoys a mild climate because of its high altitude. The country experiences two rainy and two dry seasons.

The people

Ugandans usually live on land that was passed down from their families. Moving is not uncommon as families will often relocate to the land that they have inherited.

Farmers make up the majority of the population. They live in large family groups in close-knit communities. Their homes are made from corrugated iron roofs with walls of cement, cinder blocks or mud. In the less fertile parts of the north, nomadic herders are found.

Each year on Oct. 9, colorful celebrations are held at the Kololo airstrip to commemorate the country’s independence. Another day of remembrance is held on June 3. On this day, pilgrims from around the world travel to the Namugongo shrine to commemorate the Christian converts who were martyred there in 1886. All 22 martyrs were canonized by Pope Paul VI.

Education

In its early history, Uganda was a leader in educational development in East Africa, with missionaries playing an important role. Makerere University in Kampala was the first major institution of higher learning in East and Central Africa. It is still recognized as one of the best universities in Africa and it attracts many students from around the continent. Many years of inner turmoil and unsettled conditions led to a decline in the quality of the public school system. There are a small number of secondary schools, and mission schools try to fill gaps in the system. There has also been a shift in post-secondary education from purely academic to more technical and vocational training.

Sources:

World Factbook

MSN Encarta Encyclopedia