Help the children of Uganda

Under the rule of brutal dictators Idi Amin (1971-1979) and Milton Obote (1980-1985) it is estimated that 1 million Ugandans lost their lives. For a country in turmoil, however, the suffering of the people was not over. In 1987, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) began a violent and ruthless resistance movement in the country’s north that continues today. It is the longest running yet least reported African conflict.



One of the most distressing aspects of this ongoing conflict is the LRA’s abduction of thousands of Ugandan children as slaves, sexual exploits, concubines and to commit hostilities as child soldiers. Add to this the worrying number of children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS virus and it’s clear that the children of Uganda require international attention, support and help.



While inroads have been made into the education and health of Ugandan children, startling figures reveal that much more needs to be done:



- Since 1987 over 25,000 children have been abducted by the LRA. It estimated that 90% of those engaged in combat for the LRA are children who are forced to terrorise their own families and communities, and commit human rights violations.



- Of all those displaced by LRA induced conflict, 80% are women and children who now live in impoverished camps.



- HIV/AIDS remains one of the country’s most pressing issues for children, with an estimated 20,000 babies infected with HIV by mother-to-child transmission annually.



- Uganda has approximately 2 million orphans, of which half are orphaned due to AIDS. It is predicted that this number will rise significantly by 2010.



The future of Uganda rests on its children, and the continued support, donations and charity of the Western world.



What can you do to help?



Orphaned and ill Ugandan children need to be given access to education, health, food and shelter to help restore peace to their country. One of the best ways to do this is through sponsor a child programs. By sponsoring a child, you not only let them know that someone cares for them, but the funds donated each month go towards improving conditions, services and supplies for the child’s entire community, meaning that one child does not receive help while another does not.



If you choose to sponsor a Ugandan child, you are making a real difference to lives, health and well-being of an entire generation of impoverished and disadvantaged children.



Giving children a chance in life is essential in giving hope to Ugandans for the restoration of peace and prosperity to their country.