Key facts about Uganda
In recent decades Uganda has emerged from the chaos and economic decline of the Amin and Obote regimes. Macroeconomic and political stability have encouraged economic growth and a falling level of poverty. Indeed, Uganda is on track to halve income poverty by 2015 (one of the core Millennium Development Goals [MDGs]).
Despite this there continue to be considerable challenges. Uganda remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with a 2005 per capital income of about US$300 and average life expectancy of around 49 years. HIV/AIDS, poor health, poor education and corruption continue to be significant obstacles to development in the country.
The conflict in the north of the country between the Government and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) had been a blight on the general development of the country. Strong efforts by the international community have provided humanitarian assistance when needed to those affected by the conflict, and recently the Governments commitment to security and the peace process have largely resolved the conflict. The Acholi region of northern Uganda is now in recovery, and the key challenge is to integrate its recovery fully into the development of Uganda.
GOAL has worked in Uganda since the 1970s. Our current programme is focused on:
Crisis Recovery work in the Acholi region of northern Uganda. We are supporting displaced persons, and particularly vulnerable individuals, to go home and to re-establish their lives and communities. Our teams work in the water, sanitation and hygiene; food security; HIV/AIDS; health; protection and education sectors to support the search for durable solutions by around 140,000 displaced people where they choose to reside. Our work aims to contribute to the long-term recovery and development of this marginalized area of Uganda.
Addressing the multi-dimensional aspects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in four districts of Uganda. Working with partner organisations and with our own teams we aim to support comprehensive and coordinated responses to HIV/AIDS, supporting individuals, families and communities to protect themselves from the disease, and where they have contracted HIV, keep themselves healthy and productive for as long as possible. We support people with HIV, orphans and vulnerable children to build sustainable livelihoods through vocational training and agricultural support. Across our district programmes we supported in 2007 41,347 direct beneficiaries.
Disabled people are amongst the most marginalized and poorest people in Uganda. They are also among the most ignored. GOAL’s new intervention seeks to support disabled people through a community-based rehabilitation approach to be able to more fully meet their basic needs and exercise their rights. Support for medical interventions to correct disabilities; support for special needs education; support for vocational training and agriculture for people with disabilities; and action against stigma and discrimination are part of our programme. In 2007 662 people with disabilities were supported by this project.
Our Housing Support Programme in southern Uganda provides good quality housing for extremely poor households, often affected by HIV/AIDS, and training in construction skills for adolescent youths (male and female). The programme’s target is to build around 900 houses by April 2009, and is currently constructing around 40 houses every six weeks. The programme has trained hundreds of young men and women in construction skills.
Throughout our work we try to ensure that men and women can benefit, and that issues of HIV/AIDS child protection and disabilities are addressed. We do this in order to help some of the poorest and most vulnerable be able to exercise and enjoy their fundamental rights.
Finding Christmas in Uganda
David Adams, The Irish Times, 22nd December 2006
(read more)
AIDS in Uganda : GOAL provides these
orphans with more than hope - it provides them with a chance. ( Listen to
GOALies describe the programs in Africa)
AIDS in Uganda
Conor O'Loughlin, 8th June 2006
(read more)
Africa Malaria Day - Coping in the Camps of northern
Uganda (read
more)
GOAL's emergency assistance program in Uganda receives
€1m boost
Media Statement, 22nd February 2006
(read more)
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