Uganda

Uganda is a country in Eastern Africa, which has been described as the "pearl of Africa". It is a beautiful country with a variety of terrain from forests and mountains to dry plains. It gained independence from Britain in 1962 but then suffered from civil war while Idi Amin was president for many years. President Yoweri Museveni was officially elected president in 1996 though he has been in power since 1986. During his presidency there has been increased stability, decreased poverty, increasing numbers of children being educated, improved health care, improved roads, etc. However, the average income remains low with nearly half of the population living on below $1 per day. There is increasing corruption in the government, police, education and health care systems. Ongoing civil wars in Northern Uganda, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo have caused about 1.5 million people to be displaced from their homes and villages. Large amounts of resources are spent for the military and in supporting these displaced peoples.

There are 31 million people living in Uganda. In the early 90s, up to 30% of the population was estimated to be HIV positive. Fortunately, these numbers have dropped in recent years. In 2006, 6.7% of the population was estimated to be infected with HIV. Approximately 1 million people in this small country are infected with HIV, contrasted to 1.2 million HIV infected persons in the United States which has a population of 300 million. There are estimated to be 2 million children in Uganda who have been orphaned due to AIDS, other preventable diseases and civil war. Many of these children are also infected and extended family members are overwhelmed with caring for these children in addition to their own poverty stricken families. The war against HIV is not yet over. Education stressing the ABCs (Abstinence, Be faithful to one partner, and Condoms), as well as stressing avoidance of sharing sharp objects has helped. People have changed their behaviors but in recent years the numbers of newly infected individuals has been creeping up again. People are less concerned about HIV because medications are now available in most major towns in Uganda. However, people do not realize how difficult it is to take these medications which have many side effects. Condoms are also being promoted more these days than in the past but this is not helping the situation. There is still a lot of work to do in Uganda and in other African countries and Christ is the answer, not condoms.                     

The average life expectancy in Uganda was 50 years in 2006 which is an improvement from 42 just a few years ago. Children and adults often die suddenly from infectious diseases such as malaria and diarrhea that could have been prevented by mosquito nets, safe drinking water, better nutrition, sanitation, etc. Tuberculosis is also common. There are many older people in their 70s and 80s who are doing well in Uganda but they are often burdened with caring for younger family members who are ill and many of their children have died of HIV.

The main religion of the country is Christian. Sixty six percent of the people are divided between Catholics and Protestants. Sixteen percent of the people are Muslims with the remainder practicing Animism, a belief in spirits, including ancestral spirits and demons. Many of the Christians and Muslims also visit their local witchdoctors for various reasons. Witchcraft is commonly practiced in seeking wealth, relief from illness, cursing an enemy, etc. Many people die from these curses. Child sacrifice can be the witchdoctor’s price for a wish to obtain wealth. There are those who are willing to pay the price and their wish is granted at least for a time.

In the midst of all this, the people of Uganda are generally very friendly and hospitable. There are about 28 different tribal groups providing much diversity. They are beautiful people, created by God, who need your prayers.

For more information on Uganda – www.visituganda.org