Category: Health

Drought & Hunger are Devastating Families in Karamoja Uganda

Dear Friends, The humanitarian crisis across Karamoja, in eastern Uganda has become dire.  Over 400,000 people have no food and limited water to survive on. For those of us in the United States, we may not imagine the severe plight of the Karimojong people. For only $50 you can help provided food and water to a family of 5 for a whole week. Donate Now!

Rains have been very irregular this year, consequently crop production has been severely affected. People have lost the seeds they planted due to the long dry spell which is devastating now and for the near future. The agro-scientists have indicated, the next possible planting cycle is in March of next year with a probable harvest in May-August 2027! How then will people survive between now and next year May or worse August? Pascale, a local Caritas worker noted, “I was hosted by the Mill Hill Fathers in Kaabong district during Christmas 2024, I experienced first-hand the severity of a dry season in Karamoja. The needs are great.” Help meet the needs by giving today!

Photos presented here provided by Fr. Gabriel Lofembe, Mill Hill Missionary, parish priest at Loyoro Parish in Kaabong district. Initial aid relief have been a drop in the ocean as the need is so severe. Thus far 19 people have died with many more at risk. Could we offer a hand, even if to one Karimojong or one household to the parishioners or neighbors?

Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zzwiwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference requested on the appeal of Reverend Dominic Eibu, Bishop of the Kotido Diocese to all diocese to make contributions of food and relief items. Caritas Uganda is coordinating the relief efforts.

As we enjoy many a BBQ or family dinners this summer, might you consider fasting or holding back from eating out and share with those in need? For $50 you can help one family with food and water for a week or $200 for a full month. Thank you for your generous hearts and hands! Donate Now!!

DONATE TODAY TO BRING MUCH NEEDED RELIEF TO THE FAMILIES IN KARAMOJA!

You can bring much needed relief to families in Karamoja, $50 per family for a week or $200 for a month to provide greatly needed food and water. Donate Today! Thank you for your generous hearts.

Mobility, What a Gift!

Have you ever lost your mobility, even for a short while? I have twice in my life and it sure has made me appreciate gaining it back, pain free!  Gloria lost her ability to run, jump, ride a bicycle and squat easily when she was 11 years old due to a moped accident. Gloria was living with her Grandmother and three brothers at the time of the accident. Her father had died when she was 7 years old, after which she was pulled from school to help her mother at home. So she never had the opportunity to learn how to read and write. And a few later she lost her mother when the mud hut they called home collapsed on her. Following the accident there were no resources available to take Gloria to a hospital. She was left to simply “heal” on a mat at home.  Her right hip became infected and what the accident didn’t destroy the infection ate away. Ever since that time her left hip has supported her ability to move around.

The lack of a good right hip and an over dependence her left hip caused it to deteriorate. In 2011, after years of pain, she had her first left hip replacement surgery.  She became pain free for five years and it was glorious! In 2016, the pain came back requiring her to have a second surgery because the components and cement were not strong enough given her active labor intensive life. Once again life was good.

In 2017, she moved to Gulu, Uganda and began working in the new Jesuit Residency cooking meals and cleaning.  Unfortunately, last year, 2019, the pain came back with a vengeance and has not subsided. At first, they were not able to do the needed follow-on surgery in Uganda. We have been seeking opportunities outside of the country without success. This year however, the hospital has acquired the necessary surgery equipment and will soon be receiving a visiting doctor that has the speciality expertise for her third surgery. Consequently, we are seeking $3000 to facilitate this additional hip surgery to get Gloria pain free again.  Could you contribute this Lent to help Gloria regain her mobility pain free? Donate here!  Thank you!!

Interview with Gloria before her second surgery.