Overview

Uganda, known as the "Pearl of Africa," is made up of various ethnic groups and subcultures. Although English is the official language, there are more than 40 languages spoken throughout the country.

About 82 percent of Ugandan population work in agriculture. Among the crops they cultivate are cotton, corn, tea, and coffee, and most farmers work at the subsistence level, struggling to grow enough to feed their families. They rarely have surplus food to sell for income that can provide other necessities like clothing and health care. Mountains of hope will work alongside these families to help them improve their crop yields and overall quality of life.

Uganda's people have endured much suffering in recent history. Between 800,000 and 2 million people perished during the dictatorship of Idi Amin and the civil wars, tribal killings, and famines that followed. For the past two decades, the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has terrorized the northern districts, including Gulu. Thousands of rural children-known as "night commuters"-trek to towns each night to avoid abduction by the LRA, which has forced an estimated 30,000 children into armed conflict and sex slavery.

Uganda's children are in desperate need of improved educational opportunities to help them escape the cycle of poverty and open up a brighter future.

Country Statistics

Population: 28.8 million
Land Mass: 11,108 sq. miles
Life Expectancy: 53 years
Infant Mortality Rate: 79 / 1,000
Literacy Rate: 67%
School Enrolment: 87%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita): US$280

What is it Like to Live There?

Its diverse scenery includes tropical forests, snow-capped mountains, and rolling savannahs. Wildlife is abundant and includes the famous mountain gorillas, which are a favourite among visitors.

Though once a thriving country, Uganda's economy was devastated under the rule of Idi Amin and by years of warfare. Even today, the country is struggling to recover; some families are child headed, and several other children orphaned by the wars. Mountains of hope is working in an impoverished community, providing children and families with skills and resources they need to improve their children's current and future living conditions.

Health care is a great concern for families. Access to medical facilities is limited and costly. Mountains of hope is working alongside communities to ensure children receive the care they desperately need.

Although progress has been made in Uganda's Mpigi District to reduce HIV infection, AIDS has been decimating the population for 25 years and has left an estimated 20,000 children orphaned.