Welcome to the May edition of our Luwero Newsletter.
The prevailing conditions in Uganda continue to make it difficult to maintain contact. However, Ernie and Gabriel continue to furnish us with the latest news.
The Kijjambus
Gabriel, Deborah and the family are all well. Priscilla recently had her 6th birthday and the triplets are now 7 months old.
COVID-19
Officially recorded cases of coronavirus stand at 42,355 at the time of writing with 346 deaths. The disease still appears to have had less of an impact upon Uganda than in neighbouring countries, partly due to the government’s swift lockdown reactions to limit the spread of the virus.
Uganda has ordered 5 million doses of coronavirus vaccine which is due for delivery this month. A vaccination programme prioritising people aged over 50 and those working in the medical and teaching professions is in place. It is reported that Uganda has identified new variants of the virus within the country.
School News
I am delighted to inform you of the appointment of Dorothy as the Acting Headteacher of Luwero Community High School. Dorothy was appointed recently and will lead the high school as it embarks upon returning to a new, post-pandemic “normal”.
Both primary and secondary schools continue to return in measured post-pandemic stages. S2 pupils returned on 10th May. As a result of the closure of other schools in the area, LCHS has been seen increased pupil numbers registering for S1 and S2 classes.
Farm News
Work on the farm continues unabated with the planting of maize, beans and bananas. Great news to support this work is that there has been a plentiful supply of rain in recent weeks. Long may this continue to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Church News
The church continues to meet under coronavirus restrictions. An upper limit of 200 people still applies to all public services. Consequently, 2 services are held on Sundays, one in the morning and a second in the afternoon. Mid-week services, where smaller numbers attend, are also held every week.
A one-day ladies conference was recently held with approximately 200 ladies attending. New people have joined the church at Luwero.
On 28th to 30th May fifty delegates from 14 local districts forming the coordinating committee for conferences and youth camps will be meeting at Luwero to plan 2022 and 2023 events. The second church planted by Luwero in Eastern Uganda has been growing.
Construction Work
Building the new boundary wall to the secondary school dormitory blocks is now nearing completion with gates the main item of outstanding work.
Work is also progressing on both the boy and girls dormitory blocks. The 2nd floor slab for the boys dormitory is due to be cast soon and work will shortly commence on the roof of the girl’s dormitory block. Henry who has been faithfully involved in the project for many years, continues to oversee all aspects of the construction work.
Boundary Wall Senior Girls Dorm – Second Floor under way
Senior Boys Dorm – First Floor under way Senior Boys Dorm
Appointment of New Nurse
The clinic has received a boost with the arrival of a new nurse. Brend has taken over the running of the clinic. We wish her all the best as she embarks on ensuring the good health of all the staff and pupils within the complex and the community beyond.
Duncanrig Secondary School
I am delighted to tell you that the Project received a cheque for £1,000 from Duncanrig Secondary School in East Kilbride to support the work at Luwero. This continues the long-standing partnership between the school and Luwero Community Projects.
Prayer Points
We ask that you continue praying for:
- the Kijjambu family,
- the pupils in their phased return to school,
- church leaders as they plan for next year and beyond,
- the continuing success of crops and livestock at the farm,
- further afield in Uganda, as people continue to cope with the effects of COVID-19 and the negative impact it is having on their lives.