Pray for Uganda

Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa.

It is bordered by Kenya in the east, South Sudan in the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west,
Rwanda in the southwest, and Tanzania in the south.

Kampala is the capital.
The population is over 33 million

FACTS
Uganda is one of three places where the critically endangered mountain gorilla lives:
Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

DEMOGRAPHICS
16.9%  Ganda
9.5%   Nkole
8.4%   Soga
6.9%   Kiga
6.4%   Teso
6.1%   Langi
4.7%   Acholi
4.6%   Gisu
4.2%   Lugbara
2.7%   Nyoro
29.6%  Other

41.9%  Roman Catholic
35.9%  Anglican
4.6%   Pentecostal
12.1%  Muslim
3.1%   Sikhism/Other
1.5%   Seventh-day Adventist
0.3%   Baha'i
0.9%   None

HISTORY
Uganda was the site of several kingdoms during the 14-15th centuries:
Kitaram Buganda,
Toro
Ankole
Busoga

Arab traders came to the area in the 1830's.

In the 1860s British explorers came.

Uganda became a British protectorate in 1894.
From 1900 to 1920, a sleeping sickness epidemic killed more than 250,000.

Uganda became independent in 1962.

From 1971-1978 Idi Amin seized control of Uganda.
During Amin's rule 100,000-300,000 Ugandans were murdered.

After Amin was overthrown former President, Obote, regained power from 1980-1985.

Bitterly disputed elections led to the outbreak of a civil war.
The war resulted in 100,000 deaths.

A new government was established in 1986.
The country attempted to stabilize,but armed resistance broke out against the government in northern areas of the country.

The most powerful opposing group is the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA)

CONDITIONS
The economy is based on agriculture and services.
Coffee is the main export

Uganda has substantial natural resources.
It has large mineral deposits of copper and cobalt.
It also has largely untapped reserves of both crude oil and natural gas.

Despite its resources Uganda is one of the poorest countries in the world.

The conflict between the LRA and the Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) decimated the economy.

Women face much inequality and this increases poverty.

HIV has slowed population growth.

Since the fighting began, 2 million Ugandans have been displaced.
Tens of thousands have been killed.

An estimated 20,000 children have been kidnapped by the LRA and used as
child soldiers and sex slaves.

To avoid abduction, thousands of children leave their villages every night
to hide in forests, hospitals and churches.

In February 2004, over 330 civilians were killed by the LRA in Barlonyo
internally displaced person's camp

Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda.
Practitioners face discrimination and harassment at the hands of the media,
police, teachers and other groups.

In October 2009, a bill was tabled in the Ugandan Parliament calling
for harsher penalties for homosexuals, up to and including the death penalty.

SPIRITUAL CONDITIONS
88% of the population claims Christianity with most being Catholic.
6% are Muslim
4% are Animistic

Despite all the hardships the Church has been experiencing great growth.
There have been problems with nominalism, corruption and false teaching.

PRAYER NEEDS
Pray for Godly leaders to rise in Uganda,

Pray that the conflict and bloodshed will stop.

Pray for those suffering in poverty.

Pray that injustice and discrimination will stop.

Pray for protection for the children in daily danger.

Pray for deliverance for the young people trapped in slavery.

Pray that those who have harmed them be brought to justice.

Pray for emotional and spiritual healing for the hurting and bereaved.

Pray that the rate of HIV infection in Uganda falls.

Pray for maturity, humility and a closeness to God for Christian leaders

Pray that the church can address the AIDS crisis with compassion,
wisdom and love.

Pray for an end to corruption within the Church.

Pray for spritual discernment.

Pray that the lost will find Jesus.