Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked country of about 20 million people trying to recover from years of civil war and oppressive leadership. It is about the size of Oregon. In addition to the struggle to survive and build a stable society and economy, Ugandans suffer under one of the world's highest incidence of AIDS. Experts estimate that more than one-third of the population is HIV positive. Uganda is also being inundated with refugees from Rwanda and Sudan. Fortunately, Uganda has a friendly climate, good farm land, and is not yet overcrowded. Food to eat is not generally a problem but cash income is difficult to obtain. Many people need to earn cash income for school and health care expenses.

Agriculture is the major portion of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force. The major exports are coffee, tea, cotton, sold to trading partners such as Spain, France and Germany. It is a former English colony granted independence in 1952. It is home to a diverse population, including Baganda , Karamojong , Basogo , Iteso , Langi , Rwanda , Bagisu , Acholi , Lugbara , Bunyoro , and Batobo. The religions are Roman Catholic (33%), Protestanism (33%) and Islam (16%). Changes in the economy, including the return of Indian-Ugandan entrepeneurs, improvements in the infrastructure, and reductions in inflation have given hope for the future.