Uganda
Twenty years of conflict between the Ugandan government and the armed militia group the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) caused extreme suffering in the north as people fled their homes for crowded camps and were torn apart by the abduction of their children.
Early hopes of peace have seen people moving back to their homes, and we are helping them get back on their feet again with seeds, tools and training.
Despite the war in the north, drought and neglect by the government have nevertheless caused the dry eastlands of Karamoja to become the country’s poorest area.
Uganda should be commended for its huge success with reducing its rate of HIV infections, but complacency risks seeing the figures rise again.
Greener than its neighbours, and small in size, Uganda could be self-sufficient. But good governance is needed. And so far the rate of political reform has been slow, with the first multi-party elections only held in 2006.
Our partner Caritas Gulu is supporting people who fled the LRA, one of the world’s most brutal rebel groups. Grace Aciro was just 12 years old when she was abducted by soldiers. “It is very painful to remember that part of my childhood,” she says. Grace eventually managed to escape and with support from CAFOD, her physical and mental scars are gradually healing. She has had counselling, as well as training and support for her tailoring business.
Read more about our work in Uganda and make a stand for peace on our pass it on website >>
