SOS Children's Villages has been on the ground in Uganda since 1988
Riots broke out last week in Uganda's capital, Kampala. The three days of fighting were the result of longstanding friction between the government of President Yoweri Museveni and the Buganda kingdom. More than 20 people were killed and 86 injured.
Tensions came to a head on September 10th, when the government denied Buganda's king, Ronald Mutebi II, permission to travel to a region that is home to a rebel rival group. Buganda is one of four ancient kingdoms in Uganda.
The police have arrested hundreds of rioters, who torched cars and buildings, looted markets, and stole ammunition from police stations. By Monday, calm had returned to the streets.
The rioting reflects larger disputes between the government and Buganda loyalists over land and governance. The power of tribal kings in Uganda is limited to ceremonial and cultural affairs.
SOS Children's Villages Protects Ugandan Children during Times of Stress
Uganda is a former British colony that for decades suffered civil war and political unrest, including the brutal regime of Idi Amin in the 1970s. The worst of the strife ended after 1986, when the current president, Yoweri Museveni, took power.
But Uganda's per capita income is still only half of the average annual per capita income of $600 for Sub-Saharan nations. And although the nation has been a model for AIDS education, 1.2 million children have been orphaned by AIDS.
SOS Children's Villages has been on the ground in Uganda since 1988, providing homes, loving SOS mothers, and secure communities to children without families or homes.
SOS Works to Keep Families Together
Children find safe haven in four SOS Children's Villages in Uganda -- in Kakiri, near the capital Kampala; Entebbe; Gulu; and Fort Portal. SOS-Uganda has been under the patronage of Uganda's First Lady Mrs. Museveni since 1997.
Besides raising children, SOS operates schools and clinics that work to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. SOS staff also run family strengthening programs. These try to keep families intact by teaching parenting skills and advice on starting small businesses.
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