There are approximately 2.2 million AIDS orphans in Uganda, Africa. As a result, 13% of Ugandan children below 15 years of age are orphans. The institutions of a society already ripped apart by HIV/AIDS are unable to provide for so many children. Orphaned children and youth are often forced into lives of poverty, illiteracy, pretty crime, forced sex, and HIV/AIDS. The entire social fabric of Uganda, like many African nations, has been stretched to the breaking point. Yet the number of orphans continues to grow, and so far only local solutions exist.

The Uganda Martyrs Orphans Project (UMOP) cares for nearly 900 of these vulnerable children, providing them with food, shelter, security, education, and access to medical treatment. With increased and stable funding, UMOP will be able to sustain and expand its programs, serving more children, providing more of their needs, and thereby relieving the pressure on the local community in many ways. UMOP is an Indigenous Non Governmental Organization (NGO) founded in 1992 and registered with the NGO Board, Ministry of Internal Affairs. By working with the Uganda Martyrs Orphan Project, we can assist an established and successful program founded and staffed by local people. UMOP, by example and by ripple effect, can serve as inspiration to other communities.

Fr. Centurio shares his work in Uganda: 

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