Benevolent Child

Jinja District Home

Tens of thousands of children have been orphaned in Uganda, due to AIDS, political strife and poverty. Half of its population is under 14 years of age. Many of these children will not live to see adulthood without care and compassion.

AIDS, political strife and poverty have robbed many Ugandan children of their parents. Left behind as orphans, they are taken in by their destitute grandmothers who care for them and other other orphaned children. It is not unusual for one grandmother to be caring for several children. Thankfully, grassroots efforts to promote sexual abstinence, condom use and faithfulness to one's partner have reduced the rate of HIV infections in Uganda. However, according to the UNAIDS 2008 Report on the global AIDS epidemic, 5.4% of Ugandan adults are infected with HIV, and there are still thousands of AIDS orphans.

Uganda, a former colony of Great Britain, is made up of a wide range of ethnic groups with different local political systems and cultures. These differences made it very difficult for Uganda to establish a working political solution after gaining independence in 1962.

Eventually, dictatorial regimes gained control of the country. Idi Amin's harsh rule from 1971-1979 was responsible for the deaths of 300,000 countrymen. Milton Obote's regime from 1980-1985 claimed another 100,000 lives. Yoweri Museveni's rule since 1986 has helped to stabilize Uganda, though it is still recovering from years of war.

Christ is not absent in Uganda. Through care, compassion and the sharing of Christ's love across the oceans, we can take a part in helping these children to be cared for and loved. Will you join us in supporting the precious Ugandan kids of the Jinja Home?