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■ War-Caused Poverty-Uganda
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Repeated military coup and tyranny
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“Because of the endless strife, the Ugandan economy had fallen far behind that of Malaysia; though the two countries acquired independence in the same year, starting at the same economic level”-regrets Unganda's Minister of State for Agriculture.
The history of Uganda is the history of war and dispute. Uganda gained its independence from England in 1962. However, General Amin led a military coup in 1971 and established control over the civilian population. Amin unleashed a reign of terror against Uganda for 10 years-300 thousand rebels were slaughtered during his reign. The new government was formed in 1980, but another coup occurred and military rule was established once again in 1985. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has almost stabilized the country since it seized the capital in 1986, but rebels still exist. The rebel groups the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) continue guerrilla activities in parts of northern and western Uganda.
Moreover, HIV/AIDs are spreading rapidly; according to the 1999 estimate, 110 thousand people died and 1.7 million children lost their parent(s). The outbreak of Ebola hemorrhage fever was also reported. The mortality rate of the disease ranges between 53-88%. Reflecting the people's anxiety and dismay, there is an increasing number of newly-created religions and cults. In March 2000, more than 900 people committed mass suicide under a cult order. |
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The only country in Africa that shows decrease in HIV/AIDs infection rate
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However, its economy is gradually recovering. For the last few years Uganda's GDP doubled, returning to the level before the Amin regime. Furthermore, the government has begun to earnestly tackle various problems. Information disclosure on HIV/AIDS issues has had a positive effect; at present, Uganda is the only country in Africa that shows the decrease in the infection rate.
The government also started providing elementary education for free. The number of children enrolled in school has risen from 2.5 million to 7million.
Great nature is Uganda's ally. The Lake Victoria is a source of the River Nile, and the beauty of the Rwenzoris, called the “mountains of the moon” since ancient times, is captivating. Above all, the treasure of Uganda is its people. Everyone contributes to the community-landowners offer land, people with skills with their expertise, and people without property or skills donate their time and energy.
The villagers who participate in the projects of HFW also offer what every person can do. It will not be long before people in Uganda eradicate hunger. What they need most are support, encouragement, and peace. |
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Buildings in the capital, Kampala Citya
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St. Valentine's Day is a special time of the year. Men and women dress up in black and red.
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■ Republic of Uganda
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Total area |
241,139 square kilometers |
| Resources |
coffee, oil-bearing seeds, tungsten |
| Population |
25,900,000（2004） |
| Capital |
Kampala |
| Languages |
English (official language), Swahili, Luganda |
| Religion |
Christians over 60%, Muslims approximately 10%, Indigenous Beliefs |
| Adult Literacy rate |
69% |
| Average life expectancy |
48 years(2004) |
| Mortality of children under five years old |
138 out of 1000 |
| References |
“World Yearbook 2005” “The State of the World's Children 2006” |
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