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UGANDA
The country of Uganda is found in Western Sub-Sahara Africa, landlocked between Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan. A former British colony, Uganda gained independence in 1963. A period of civil unrest was followed by the violent dictatorship of Idi Amin, who killed 300.000 of his countrymen. Amin was deposed in 1979. Civil unrest followed again, but in 1986 Museveni, the current president, came to power, and since then the country has been developing economically and politically. Still, Uganda faces major problems.
Poverty
While Uganda has substantial resources and the economy is developing admirably, Uganda still is on the heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) list. Per Capita income is $330 per annum, with 9,5 million people still living on less than one dollar per day (2003 figures). Population living in poverty decreased from 56% in 1992 to 38% in 2002, but steep population growth (seven births per woman) is eroding economic development and deepening poverty again.
Literacy and education
Uganda provides free primary education and 90% of all children enroll – but only 66% of children complete school. Of children and adults over 12 68% have basic reading skills.
Health care
Uganda faces the two healthcare challenges most Africanm countries face: HIV/AIDS and Malaria. Uganda’s efforts to force back the HIV/AIDS epidemic has enjoyed some real success, and for that it is to be congratulated. Still, it continues to be a serious threat, both in the urban centers and in the war-torn districts in the north where the Lord’s Resistance Army (Rebel forces) are active.
War and civil unrest
Politically speaking Uganda is fairly stable and as a result she has seen a steady rising entry of foreign investors. Still, there are challenges both within her border and outside. The Rebel forces, the LRA, continue to challenge the government in Northern Districts in bloody guerilla warfare. These armies rely on child soldiers. Poverty is worst in the districts where the LRA is active and so are the health care challenges. Around 1,4 million people are displaced as a result of this civil unrest.
Uganda also enjoys uneasy relationships with two of its neighbours: Ruanda, Congo and Sudan. Uganda has waged several military campaigns against Congo. She says Congo aids and protects the LRA forces.
More info
- Uganda on USAID [link]
- Uganda in the HIPC [link]
- Demographics of Uganda on Wikipedia:Uganda on the CIA world Factbook [link]
- Uganda on Wikipedia [link]
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