CHALLENGES

HIV/AIDS & ORPHANS:

HIV/AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome has been a serious problem in Uganda since early 1980’s, the infection and death rates are still very high in the country. Many families in Uganda have orphans and the associated demands. As a matter of fact, a number of our sisters have many orphans left by their late brothers and sisters who died of AIDS, to look after, besides their aging parents. HIV/AIDS has affected and infected our families and remained a big challenge for many sisters and the Congregation at large.

According to the Ministry of Health, 51% of the people living with HIV/AIDS are women, 39% are men and 10% are children aged less than 15 years. The female are the majority because they are more vulnerable to abuse and violence than male. In 1992 about one out three women attending antenatal clinic in Gulu hospital and other parts of Uganda was tested positive with HIV/AIDS. Though the rate of infection is improving because of the serious fight by the government, Medical department, stakeholders and individuals, the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate still have a great challenge to face in schools, hospitals, villages and among women groups. Many sisters work in Schools, Hospitals, Parishes, Camps, Villages, and Community based institutions. All these sections are being reached by the sisters, though the personnel cannot meet the demand.

Most of the Orphans are catered for by their grand parents, who are generally poor and too old to give sufficient parental love and care. Many orphans in our classes are absent minded or sleepy during lessons because they spend a lot of energy thinking of how they can make ends meet, sometimes they go to school hungry and are not sure of where to get the next meal and support. The Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu, like many other religious in the country are faced with the responsibility to bring those children close to God, counsel them, and give the necessary support for a brighter future.

This is not only a problem to our Order, but everybody in this world. There is great need to give hope to such children, so that they know God loves and care for them.

REBEL WAR IN NORTHERN UGANDA:

The rebel war in Northern Uganda by the LRA (Lord Resistant Army) which has lasted 19 years has done a lot of harm. The war has claimed the lives of many people; including adults, the youth and children. Thousands of people have abducted and many brutally killed. Our people have been driven away from their noble homes to live in congested camps. Agriculture which is the main means of survival for the people is seriously interrupted by this political instability.

This insecurity is a blow to our apostolic work; some sisters were abducted by the rebels and retained in the bush for some days or weeks number. The Congregation was also forced to close some communities like; Amuru, Anaka, Awach, Puranga and Palabek. The insurgency has therefore interrupted the apostolate of the sisters and denied many people the spiritual guidance, social services and many effective services that they used to get from the sisters.

One of the greatest blows happened in …….., when we lost our beloved sister, Sr. Emilia Gaya. She was murdered in an ambush when she was traveling from Gulu to Pakele, her home district. Sr. Emilia who was a very humble, faithful, generous and hardworking sister ended her life in that tragedy. We still remember and pray for her. May the blood of Sr. Emilia, together with that of many missionaries, our beloved people of Uganda and our dear Uganda Martyrs gain for us peace and unity in Uganda! We the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu, together with other religious, priest and the lay faithful pray that God may have mercy on us and grant us peace, which is our greatest dream.