Background on Uganda and Masaka

Uganda
Uganda is a diverse country containing about 30 tribes, whom until recently lived in relative peace and harmony. In 1900, Uganda officially became a British colony, however European and Arab traders had influenced the area over a hundred years prior. British rule was more gentle and benevolent than most colonial relationships, however, colonization laid the seed for considerable ethnic strive. Amazingly, Uganda became independent from British rule without any bloodshed; the state of peace however was not to last long. Through two reigns of Milton Obote (1962-1971 and 1980-1986) and one reign of Idi Amin (1971-1979) Uganda suffered incredible human rights abuses, brutality, corruption, and serve mismanagement. In 1986 president Yoweri Museveni seized power from Obote and remains president to this day. Museveni's government (NRM) has provided relative peace and security to Uganda, as well as an improved economy.

Masaka
Masaka is located in southern Uganda, roughly 137 km southwest of the capital, Kampala. Masaka Town is the regional capital for the 4 districts of Masaka, Rakai, Sembabule and Kalangala. Its population is about 70,000. Being the regional hub, Masaka Town is a commercial centre with banks, a post office, electricity and running piped water, and telecommunication services.

The region was the worst hit area in the whole of Uganda by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. For a long time it was the area with the highest percentage of HIV infected people in Uganda. In addition the district of Masaka suffered more than any other during the 1979 Civil War to remove Idi Amin from the presidency of Uganda and again in the second Civil War to remove President Milton Obote from power (1985/86). The result of all this is that many bread winners died leaving many orphans, but there is no lots of signs of development. Roads are being repaired, new buildings are springing up, there is an increase of NGOs working in the area. There is hope for Masaka!

Thepeople of Masaka are of the Baganda ethnic group who speak the Luganda language.