The displaced peoples of northern Uganda...hoping to return home

Uganda's History:

Over the past 20 years, Uganda has suffered the effects of conflict between the government and Lords Resistance Army (LRA), which has included the looting of villages, brutal massacres and the abduction of children to serve as child soldiers.

In the 1990s, the government moved millions of people into camps for safety, where conditions are very basic. This 'forgotten emergency' has left over 1.8 million people struggling to survive.

Thanks to your support Oxfam is there providing clean water, sanitation and health education to over 160,000 people, greatly reducing the risk of disease. Last year a 'Cessation of Hostilities', was signed between the government and the LRA, bringing with it the prospect of peace and the chance for thousands of people to start the transition back to their homes.

Peter Anderson , head of fundraising at Oxfam Ireland visited Northern Uganda to see firsthand how your support is making such a positive difference to people he met. He returned with many stories of courage and hope.

Terensio

Terensio - a 60-year-old father of six - was harvesting peanuts when Peter met him. Terensio's wife was killed by rebels and two of his children were abducted by the Lords Resistance Army to fight as child soldiers. Since last year, the family have been able to move to a transitional camp nearer their home and have started harvesting their land again.

Inspired? Terensio dreams of moving back home permanently. Meanwhile, your donation could provide clean water and sanitation in the transition camps to Terensio and his family as they move closer to home.

Buy a life-changing Family Hero Pack

Meet Katherine Aol

Katherine is 14 years old and part of the Child to Child Health Education drama group. She joined the group after her two year old brother Ben died from cholera. Katherine helps to teach young children, through acting, singing and dancing, about the importance of good hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases in the camps.

'I wanted to do something to stop other children dying from cholera'

Inspired? Katherine is determined to make a change; you can help her do it.

Give the gift of musical instruments

This is Betty Arach and her baby daughter Gloria

Betty Arach is 38 and the proud mother of eight children. Tragically, Betty's two brothers, sister-in-law and father-in-law were killed by rebels; Betty survived the attack and fled to a camp for safety. This year Betty has moved to a transitional camp closer to her home and has received a bull from Oxfam.

'The bull from Oxfam is a great help to my family. I want to go back to my village as soon as it is safe.'

Inspired? Oxfam has provided livestock for many farmers who lost their animals during the conflict. They're new animals will help them rebuild their lives once they do return home, that's Betty's wish, so please donate what you can today. Or for something a little different buy a goat or cow!

Meet Oboma Okot - a family man

Oboma is 35 years old and has spent the last 10 years living in Palabek Kal camp with his wife and five children. They witnessed many horrific things in their village but today Oboma is filled with hope that peace will last and he will be able to bring his family back home.

Inspired? Oboma is determined to continue to work and provide for his family to the best of his ability; his unrelenting optimism is inspirational. Your donation now could provide livestock, seeds and tools to enable people like Oboma to return to their farms.

A vegetable garden can make all the difference

Read more about Oxfam Ireland's work in Uganda

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