Supporting windows and educating fatherless children and orphans in Africa
Uganda
Uganda, the land of Lake Victoria, is situated in East Africa surrounded by Kenya, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Rwanda. It has a population of 27 million, over half of which are under 18 years of age. 26 million live in the capital city of Kampala. The other major towns are Jinja, Mbarara, Masaka and Mbale.
Much of the land is fertile and well-watered, and there are two annual growing seasons. It has long been known as the pearl of Africa. The healthy economy of the 1960s was damaged by tribal wars, the dictatorship of Idi Amin and government incompetence, but there has been a steady improvement since 1992.
However, continued wars in the North and East are resulting in many displaced people, a majority of whom are children, orphaned or escaped from war zones. In addition, the ravages of AIDS and disease have kept the vast majority of the population in deep poverty.
Uganda is the first country in the world with a massive AIDS problem to dramatically reduce the number of people affected. The government and churches have faced up to this terrible problem and acted to prevent its spread. However, many are still living with this disease and there are many widows and orphans.
Parents have to pay fees and other costs for primary education, which many widows and orphans are unable to afford. Tuition fees have to be paid in secondary eductaion making it expensive and out of reach for poor families.
ACT's main partner in Uganda is Elim Pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship of Uganda Churches
ACT is also working in these areas:
> Nigeria
> Tanzania
> Zambia