About Uganda

Uganda the pearl of Africa is a landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Its abundant wildlife includes chimpanzees , a large group of endangered silverback mountain gorillas as well as rare birds. Remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43m-tall waterfall and wildlife such as hippos.

Uganda is among the five fastest growing countries, has one of the world’s highest birthrates, and is also the youngest country in the world—with 58% of the population below the age of 15. Uganda is also a country that is deeply impoverished. According to the most recent Uganda National Household Survey, 28% of Ugandans live in poverty. The 2019 projected GDP was just $759 per person for the whole year. Uganda also has one of the world’s highest HIV rates and is still recovering from the shadows of conflicts that decimated large portions of the country. Wars and unstable living conditions in the bordering countries of South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have led to more than 1.3 million refugees fleeing their homes to live in Uganda.

Because of all of these issues, daily life for many Ugandans has become unmanageable and has reached a breaking point. With limited job opportunities and unstable living conditions, many families struggle for survival and are unable to offer their children basic necessities like food, healthcare, education, or a home to live in. It is estimated that 15% to 20% of children don’t go to school. Out of a population of around 40 million people, approximately 7 million are orphans and vulnerable children
Mbale presents another picture. AIDS, a high birth rate, corrupt government, and unplanned urbanization have all contributed to the collapse of the country's covenant with its children. Many of these abandoned, homeless, sick, war-ravaged, addicted, hungry, terrified children come from their villages to Mbale City, hoping to find work or relief from the deplorable conditions they've left behind. But soon the harsh realities become clear, as very young children, left to their resources, have to forage for food and keep themselves safe from drugs, disease, and predators