Life in Uganda ... during the wet season in 2020

Late September normally heralds the start of another wet season in Uganda ... only this year it has arrived early (late August) ... and presents a really difficult time of managing and providing for close to 180 very precious people at the OOH.

The wet season brings really heavy rain, which makes it hard to safely store mattresses and bedding outside so that the 172 children can be taught in the same areas where they sleep. The wet season means very wet wood to light the fire everyday to cook food and boil water.

In addition the Kabale District is still in severe lock down, because of risk of infection crossing the border from neighbouring Rwanda. Imagine being in lock down since the middle of March as a child not allowed out of your house. (and then multiply the number of little people in the same small very restricted area by 172).

Uganda has started electioneering for the General Elections in March next year. It is a very dangerous time with tempers boiling over and already many people have lost their lives (5 this week in Kabale alone).

The wet season is colder because of the damp air and at an altitude of 6,600 feet (2,000 metres) we have major risk of infection from any one of 10 major illnesses. Keeping these children well means the need for medicines and in a number of cases paying for hospitalisation.

September is also the month we start a major planting program to ensure we have sufficient fresh food all year round. There are now 5 seperate areas totalling almost 5 hectares to firstly clear, then plant, then weed and spray and finally harvest.  

In addition during September we have 21,000 mud bricks to be fired in a kiln, so that these can be used in making an accommodation extension, a new kitchen and during 2021 many will be used in building a school on land purchased nearby.

Moving into HOBO House ... now home to 30 orphans.

The first honey harvest: 4kgs - each beehive costs only $8.

Having mosquito nets without holes is essential (just purchased)

New cooking pots purchased with our August support payment.

We are still desperately requiring  more orphan sponsors ... perhaps you have an extended family member, or maybe a colleague at work who could spare $1 a day? We would love to hear from them. We also would welcome local businesses being involved in our sponsorship program.

Thank you SO much for your continued support and encouragement. Lindsay and Dalaine