Uganda is a country of contrasts. Urban areas show signs of growth but the country remains one of the poorest in the world. It has a good record on tackling HIV/AIDS but the disease still claims thousands of people’s lives and impacts on the lives of many more.
The rural economy relies on subsistence agriculture and there are few employment opportunities. Added to that, in the last 20 years civil conflict has hindered development in the north and east of the country.
Tools for Self Reliance has been working in Uganda since 1985 to help stimulate economic growth in rural areas in line with the government’s aim of creating wealth through sustainable economic growth and development of the infrastructure. And we have witnessed some remarkable successes.
We had a small workshop 10 years ago with 4 people and 2 apprentices…Now we have 30 people, and we work for various companies and schools…We are happy because our children can get a primary education without a lot of suffering…Here we are, growing some wings and feathers.Francis Tinka Abwooli, Kwatampora Furniture Workshop, Kasese, Uganda