Uganda

The Kingdom of Buganda, was a powerful one for several centuries, from which Uganda received its name. As its power weakened, other forces were on the move to influence the history of this lush, beautiful country. Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile, was in a way, also the source of modern Uganda’s beginnings. The possession of this lake and the southern part of the Nile is what simultaneously drew Egyptians from the north and the UK from the eastern coast of Africa to what is now Uganda. At first part of Britain’s Imperial East Africa Company, Uganda eventually became a protectorate called the "Pearl of Africa," until it received full independence as a republic in 1962.

Uganda was not only shaped from outside forces, it was also shaped from internal pressures. This small country, nearly the size of Oregon, encloses many ethnic groups - each with their own language, religion, and culture. The frequent clashes of different tribes and clans often troubled the country as a protectorate, and when it was freed, the differences of the factions weakened the nation, opening the door for a dictator to step in. For nearly fifteen years, Uganda was oppressed. It was ruled by Idi Amin and his successor whose cruel repression of opposition and crimes against humanity claimed over 400,000 lives and has left scars that still affect the nation today. These years of terror have been followed by relative peace with only occasional disturbances to remind the country that various factions are still discontent.

Uganda has grown incredibly in the past few years with a population of approximately forty-five million people. It is one of the many African countries with nearly half its population under fifteen years of age. While many tribes in Uganda still speak their own language, English is an official language that has become widely known and is taught in schools. Many find refuge in fact that Christianity is the dominant religious force, however, that form of Christianity holds little to no resemblance to Biblical Christianity and many erroneous beliefs and practices abound. Pray for more laborers to the "Pearl of Africa!"

Missionaries in Uganda: