PROJECT-SUPPORT UGANDA

Association Bbanga Project, Vienna, Austria  

Country / Location

Uganda, Kalangala

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It borders South Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, Tanzania to the south, Rwanda to the south-west and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. The borders with Kenya and Tanzania run partly through Lake Victoria and the equator runs through the south of the country. The capital and largest city is Kampala.  Over 60 peoples live together in Uganda, each with their own languages, cultures, customs, and religions. More than half of the population, totalling 60%, are Bantu, who live in the areas south and west of Lake Kioga. The largest Bantu people are the Baganda. The country name Uganda refers to the kingdom of Buganda.

The district of Kalangala is located in Lake Victoria in Uganda/East Africa and comprises an archipelago of 84 islands, 64 of which are inhabited. The archipelago is also known as the Ssese Islands. The largest island, which is also home to the ‘capital’ Kalangala Town and the local authorities, is called Bugala Island.

General

Bbanga Project is a Ugandan NGO (non-governmental organisation) based in Austria and Uganda. Bbanga Project has been active on the Ssese Islands since 2014 and has since implemented numerous measures to improve the educational and living conditions of the population living there. The project began with a mobile library, which now supplies literature to over 15 primary schools on four islands.  

In addition, child sponsorships have been set up at various schools on the main island to provide targeted support for pupils in need. To date, Bbanga Project has provided healthcare and a varied diet for thousands of children. As part of these efforts, numerous programmes for the advancement of women have been launched, in particular income-generating activities and awareness-raising programmes. In addition, Bbanga Project is also committed to promoting sustainable local agricultural practices.

Beneficiaries

Only a few of the 64 inhabited Ssese islands have schools, which considerably restricts access to education for children and young people. Bbanga Project is working towards enabling as many children as possible to attend school regularly and to a high standard.  

Due to the successful work and the trust built up, Bbanga Project is currently working on establishing a boarding school for children from the islands without access to school. The planned boarding primary school will be open exclusively to children from these isolated areas. The kindergarten and the seven-level primary school will offer space for a total of 270 children.

It is difficult to organise educational work in isolation from health initiatives. Bbanga Project therefore also organises medical examinations and, if necessary, surgical interventions. Workshops on hygiene, tooth brushing and household cleanliness are also an integral part of the programme. Through close cooperation with the target groups, it has become clear that further measures are required for a sustainable improvement in education. For example, Bbanga Project supports single mothers and creates safe retreats at home in order to offer the children a favourable environment.

Project-support

Project: Construction of sanitary facilities at new boarding school

Bbanga Bbanga Project is about to open the new boarding school on the main island of Kalangala. In addition to a kindergarten, the facility also includes a primary school as well as recreation rooms and sanitary facilities. The available funds are currently being used for the planned school operations. This is due to start in February 2025, the beginning of the next Ugandan school year, and will provide space for 270 children.  

The construction of the sanitary facilities for boys is the last essential prerequisite for the smooth running of the school. The planned facilities include five shower rooms, five toilets, a urinal and hand washing facilities. This new sanitary facility will contribute significantly to improving the hygienic conditions on the school grounds, and therefore promote the health and well-being of the pupils.