Headline News
Uganda In Crisis: An Update From Fr. Emmanuel
Uganda is a landlocked country and one of the East African countries. It is endowed with natural beauty with a variety of tourist sites ranging from ever green rain forest, waterfalls, volcanic features like crater lakes, wildlife like the big five (Lions, Buffalos, Elephants, Leopards, Giraffes, among others), food varieties and wonderful people in their varied traditions and cultures. However, amidst all these endowments, most rural people still live in poverty and find it hard to access basic necessities like running and clean water. There are also natural calamities that often befall the citizens which leave devastating effects for the local communities.
Locust Invasion February 13, 2020, we got a report from our daily Newspapers that big swarms of Locusts had invaded Uganda from the eastern border with Kenya. Fortunately, the government of Uganda swung into action and mitigated the effects of the invasion by stopping them from spreading to the other parts of the country. But the entire eastern and northern parts of Uganda suffered much of the invasion. The locusts destroyed much of the green cover on the land including most gardens of the people. This meant that the local communities would suffer from hunger and their livestock would go without enough grass. The local communities are still trying to recover from the aftermaths of the locust invasion. The government used hand spray pumps and choppers to destroy the locusts. However, there is another feared looming invasion of the same insects that has been announced by our government and everyone id on alert.
COVID19 In March 18, 2020, our president addressed the nation and spelt out a number of directives to be followed by all Ugandans, among which he announced the closure of all learning institutions. On 19 th and 20 th March we effected the directive by sending all our students home. From then on, more directives have been given and the situation growing worse. Its of recent that the president has started easing the lockdown. But Churches. Mosques, schools, Bars and saloons remain closed. Many people lost their jobs including teachers; poverty has deepened, and most people are desperate and frustrated. We have had already a number of suicide cases. Fortunately, there is no death reported from the Corona Virus although we have now hit about 880 patients. Majority of these have been discharged. We are still waiting and praying for the unlocking for the schools.
Floods In our neighbouring diocese of Kasese just at the border with the Republic of Congo, floods broke out destroying a big Hospital of Kilembe Mines, destroying several gardens, houses and killing some people. The floods were caused by four rivers: Nyamugasani, Mubuku, Rubiriha and Nyamwamba. The destroyed Hospital has been shifted to a primary school and that’s where it is operating from since schools were locked down. Displaced people are currently living in Camps. However, people in camps are facing serious challenges like lack of food, soap and clothes, sanitary pads for ladies and girls, mattresses, blankets and tents for shelter and also medicines. Many good willed people are trying to help but the need is so vast. The parish where I have been going for summer supply in Germany is organising some fundraising for these people living in camps. Already last week I took a donation from a friend of mine from Germany and I handed it to the Bishop of Kasese. The situation is still alarming!
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Danielle Burns Wins Outstanding Philanthropy Award for Her Work with UFI
We are so proud of our Danielle for all she's done for us, and now she's gotten the recognition she deserves! The Fairfield County and Connecticut Chapters of The Association of Fundraising Professionals has honored Danielle with the Oustanding Philanthropy Award: Outstanding Youth on November 8th, 2019. Now cancer free and attending college, Danielle will continue making such an amazing difference in the world. We thank her so much for everything she's accoplished and look forward to her future projects! Well done, Danielle! |
West Shore Middle School Sponsors Walk for Water
West Shore Middle School 7th graders sponsored a Walk for Water for Uganda Farmers, Inc. This was the culmination of a long unit of study within the social studies curriculum learning about water scarcity in Africa and what it means to be a humanitarian. The students researched the many humanitarian crises and developed websites encouraging others about how to support people both here and abroad. The students chose Uganda Farmers Inc. because it was founded by two Milford residents which helped the students’ make a “real world” connection. The founders of the organization, Jane Holler and Dan Marecki, came and shared with the students about how the monies raised through their organization provide pumps for clean, running water changing the lives within a whole village. The students designed buttons, logos, fliers, t-shirts and bulletin boards to raise funds. Through all of their efforts, the students and teachers raised over $1,300! |
Meet Our Newest Team Member
After being diagnosed with cancer at the age of sixteen, Danielle Burns was granted the opportunity to have a wish come true via the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Danielle's wish was to bring water to those in need in Africa and has since joined the team at Uganda Farmers, Inc. Here's Danielle's inspiring story: Danielle (middle) with her mother and Father Godfrey Musabe |
Sixth Annual Running Water for Africa 5K
Thank you to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for helping make our sixth annual Running Water for Africa 5K a great event! ***** ***** Thank you to our sponsors! Holler Law Firm Attorney Tara Galbo Dr. Deidre Galbo, DVM Attorney Jane Holler & Attorney Dan Marecki Betty Geller, Artist Frank Scott Bunnell High School, Michele Croteau Cindy & Bill Bevan Julie Manginelli Debbie and Rich Stinchcomb Shelly & Dave Gibson Judge Beverly Streit-Kefalas Nicholson Associates, Charles Cullen Veronica & Donald Thomas Hilda & Dick Wilson MS Running, Marty Schaivone St. Gabriel Church First Baptist Church Trumbull Congregational Church M.J. Gleason, Seabreeze Pizza Plus Dr. Christine Lathuras, Sunrise Family Dental Care Susan Patrick, Walnut Beach Creamery Jennifer Greene Fred Petrella, Connecticut Realty Group, LLC Erma & Larry Canty Jennie and Mel Aden John Powers & Robert Powers, Musicians Subway South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority American Medical Response Julia’s Bakery Dunkin Donuts |
We're in the Paper!
Click here to read an article in the New Haven Register about our most recent water projects! |
Drilling has Begun in Nganiko
During the last week of December, 2014, the drilling company we have hired, Draco (U) Ltd., traveled to Nganiko to survey the land and to begin drilling the borehole. The project is underway and completion is expected in January 2015, in time for the opening of the medical clinic. Thank you to all who have donated and helped out to make this possible for our friends in Uganda! We are very excited to keep you updated on the progress. Please check back for more details. **UPDATE: As of winter 2015, the water project in Nganiko is complete. During their visit to Uganda in May when they spent time Nganiko, UFI officers signed the contract to expand upon the Nganiko water project after learning the borehole and well are capable of producing enough water to benefit hundreds of more people in the area on a daily basis. |
New Haven Register Article
Click here to read an article about our water project in Ihunga published by the New Haven Register. |
Our 3rd annual 5k race was a great success!
We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our goal and water will be running in Ihunga very soon! Thank you to all participants, donors, and volunteers! You may view the race results here. |
Kyle Holler Nominated for Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program
Kyle Holler has been nominated by Jane Holler, President of Uganda Farmers, Inc., for the 2014 Kohl's Cares Scholarship program. Kyle has been volunteering with Uganda Farmers for the past few years and has put much effort in assisting us prepare for our annual 5K among other fundraising events. Best of luck to Kyle! |