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Uganda Resource Pack

Uganda, the 'Pearl of Africa', source of the White Nile, the home of the Mountains of the Moon and the endangered mountain gorilla, this country has many unique attractions, and is now one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. Uganda's struggle for independence left it shattered and bankrupt, broken by tribal animosity, nepotism, insanely corrupt politics, mass murder and military tyranny. Despite the killings and brutality, Ugandans appear to have weathered the storm remarkably well. However, even Uganda's natural beauty cannot hide the country's huge debt, AIDS crisis and terrible human rights abuses.

Village community outreach placements can include youth mentoring, HIV prevention and AIDS care, home visiting, sanitation and hygiene, public health, women's groups focusing on vocational skills and women's rights, and teaching modern organic farming methods. For volunteers with a medical background, placements can include working with health-based organisations.

Volunteers work on a variety of different projects in Uganda in both rural and more urban surroundings. The program seeks to raise awareness and promote prevention of HIV/AIDS as well as provide some basic AIDS care for for those already infected. This may include home visits to elderly, disabled, and persons living with HIV/AIDS to keep company, offer relief, and assess needsThe epidemic has also resulted in many children living as beggars on the streets. Volunteers teach in schools, and provide valuable care and attention to underpriveleged children in the area.

A success story…
"Kasifa is one of the tangible and a living examples around the one of the villages we have worked with here. Kasifa is HIV/AIDS positive. Her family had abandoned her in a one roomed house and left to die At the time when ACF was contacted by some of Kasifa's neighbours, Kasifa was at the death point that she could not talk any more. She was in a coma and her relatives had alread prepare grave where she was to be buried. After we learn of her Kasifa's situation, we mobilised our staffs in the HIV/AIDS department who together with the volunteers rushed Kasifa to the hospital. Today as I write this email, Kasifa is growing strong and strong and looking more healthy than she was before ACF took her into our HIV/AIDS care and counselling program. We are proud that Kasifa is living today."

Easy Facts

For the Uganda Easy Facts sheet, click here.

Articles

Checking Expectations at the Door in Uganda: click here.

Mother to Mother, Child to Child: How An Understanding of Loss Connected Families Across the World: click here.

Working Together To Make A Difference: click here.

The Spirit Of The Modern African Woman click here.

Further Reading

Aids at 20: "The Epidemic Is Just Starting", Sabin Russell, The San Francisco Chronicle, June 5, 2001: Twenty years after doctors in Los Angeles reported the first cases of AIDS, the devastating epidemic that followed in the United States is becoming a footnote to a larger story of global catastrophe. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/06/0605_wireAIDSat20.html

HIV/AIDS And The Women Left Behind, Joanna Erdman, Toronto Star, Jul. 19, 2006: Stephen Lewis will not go quietly. Nearing the end of his term, the UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa continues to advocate for women's equality. He will not consign women to the margins of a UN system that has repeatedly failed to fulfill its commitments. Lewis seeks an equality that is real. http://www.thestar.com

Country Profile

For Uganda's country profile, click here

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