Uganda, in East Africa, is a landlocked country, bordering Sudan in the North, Rep. of Congo in the west, Rwanda and Tanzania in the South, and Kenya in the East.

Uganda's equatorial climate is tempered by cooling breezes from the mountains. In general terms the lowland area and lake shores enjoy a warm climate, while it is cooler in the highlands. The rains are mainly between March to May and October to November.

Uganda, is the small yellow dot in the middle of the map of Africa. Uganda has a population smaller than that of Philadelphia, a population of 22 million people. The attractions of Uganda are described by Sir Winston ChurchHill in his book "My African Journey", ".....for magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life, .....Uganda is truly the Pearl of Africa. The capital city is Kampala, named after the animal Impala that was very common when they chose the site for the capital. Kampala is built on seven hills and the scenery is amazing.

HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Ned McNeal, Director of Chapter Services, U.S. Fund for UNICEF

Ned McNeal is traveling with a group of U.S. Fund for UNICEF donors in Uganda, visiting UNICEF-supported projects and individuals whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Following are his notes from the field.

September 22, 2004
Today I traveled with Sultana Mangalji, a member of the U.S. Fund's Houston Chapter board, and Carol Levy, a member of the Southern California Chapter board, to Kasensero fishing village.

Uganda has realized extraordinary success in combating HIV/AIDS. The prevalence rate has dropped from 30 percent in 1992 to 6.2 per cent today. UNICEF, among other partners, has played a key role in this success.

We met with Agnes, 16, who lost both her parents to AIDS and is now caring for two siblings and a cousin. Sultana Mangalji spoke with Agnes about her vocational training program. Agnes has acquired tailoring skills that produce an income for her family.

At a health center in Masaka District, we met with Moses Nanyanga, a laboratory technician. He explained to Carol Levy how voluntary counseling and testing for HIV works among pregnant women attending the clinic. Programs such as these have enabled thousands of women to save their unborn children from contracting HIV/AIDS.

We also visited Nkukute Center, where children aged 2-7 years, including children who have lost parents to AIDS, are taught life skills.

The things we have seen today are incredible. UNICEF is making a difference in the lives of Uganda's children and families.