A description of the AHU program is below: 

PFP is working hard to prepare our older students for the “real world” outside of PFP. When a student enters Senior 5 (usually at about 18 years of age), they are moved into the “A Hand Up” program. They still receive all of the benefits that all PFP children do, however now they are required to give back to their PFP family or community. Each AHU student volunteers 20 hours per week on school holidays and has the opportunity to showcase their specific skill set to better the lives of the PFP children or at risk community members. All of the AHU students continue to step up, month after month. Everyone does what they can, where they can. Monthly meetings occur, with Tikol at the lead where students present ideas on how they can best utilize their skills. Students have been working with PFP as a sort of internship. The AHU members continue to contribute where they can, and we love when they utilize their specific skill set to do something meaningful within PFP or in the community.

A new law being proposed in Uganda would impose a life imprisonment for those found guilty of same sex relations and the death penalty in cases of aggravated homosexuality ( defined as sexual relations with someone below the age of 14 or above the age of 75, and for repeat offenders.)

Others are targeted as well in the law with individuals found guilty of “promoting” homosexuality could spend 20 years in prison. Friends, family and neighbours are required by law to report anyone they suspect is gay to the police, or suffer a six-month jail term, and landlords are forbidden from renting to LGBTQ people.

The bill was passed by an overwhelming majority, as parliamentarians applauded and sang the national anthem, with all but two of the 389 politicians present voting in favour of it.

Repercussions are already underway. There are reports of members of Uganda’s gay community making plans to flee the country, others have stopped visiting health facilities for fear of arrest and some have been evicted from their homes.

Word on the street is that the bill is expected to be sent within the next few days to the President who has to sign it into law within 30 days – or send it back to parliament for revisions.

Governments across the world are appealing for the President to not pass the bill, but while addressing lawmakers earlier this month, he described gay people as “deviants”, calling on the West to stop imposing its ideals on Ugandans.

Please click the following link for more information:

UGANDA’S ANTI GAY BILL IS THE LATEST AND WORST TO TARGET LGBTQ AFRICANS- REUTERS

South African organisations protest Uganda’s anti-LGBT bill in front of the Cape Town parliament, March 31, 2023. REUTERS/Esa Alexander

Ugandan Member of Parliament John Musira in an anti-gay gown during Anti-Homosexuality bill debate, March 21, 2023. REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa

Transportation in Uganda

A submission by Staff Members Denis and Innocent

The corona virus outbreak significantly altered the transportation system for individuals in Uganda. The change happened gradually as the costs of fuel kept on climbing.The huge increases in fuel costs along with everything else made the movement of an ordinary person from one place to another unaffordable. It has not changed. 

For those needing to move around, most use a van/bus system of sorts. It is a slow moving process. There are also a lot of motorcycle taxis when the person can afford to pay a little more or needs the speed.

The majority of locals who can afford their own vehicles get motorcycles. Especially now. Cars are of course more expensive to purchase and operate plus there are frequent traffic jams that make it slow to travel. The bottom line is that travel throughout Uganda requires planning and patience.