*HDI is the UN's Human Development Index which assesses a country on health, education and living standards.
**The CPI (Corruption Perceptions Index) is Transparency International's measure of the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among public officials and politicians.
Uganda
The East African country of Uganda is similar in size to the United Kingdom. There are 34 million people, an estimated 1.2 million of whom are living with HIV/AIDS. Uganda became independent from the United Kingdom in 1962, and suffered abuse and civil war under Idi Amin (1971-79) and Milton Obote (1980-85). Although there has been relative stability since 1986, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has perpetrated widespread atrocities. Agriculture employs 80% of the work force. Despite economic progress since the 1990s, Uganda remains poor, with GDP per capita of $4 per day and with a quarter of the people below the poverty line.
Rope's work
Rope works with three partners in Uganda:
In Katakwi district, north-east of Soroti, Rope is funding a project to cultivate groundnuts. This project aims to improve the livelihoods of over 100 poor men and women. Working in groups of 20 and using the Serenut 11 drought resistant variety of groundnuts, the beneficiaries are trained in the correct methods of planting and given the necessary implements to plant and harvest their groundnuts. They are encouraged to work together as a team to support each other and deal with issues as they arise. The project is already seeing remarkable results.
In Jinja, our partner is working with the local community in different areas including:
Training in motor vehicle mechanics, tailoring and domestic science/catering. At the end of the courses the individuals receive a diploma and are often found placements in local industry for further training or employment.
Practical support is also provided to a small number of vulnerable elderly individuals who receive food, practical items and medical assistance as required.
They also run a scholarship programme for a small number of extremely needy children, some of whom are total orphans, to help them with their school fees and materials as their parents/guardians are unable to do.
In Kampala, Rope funds enable the Good Hope Primary School to provide 70 less advantaged children with their schools fees, lunches and scholastic materials so that they too can gain a good education despite their circumstances.
