Uganda

Of the 25 million people in Uganda, 87 percent are rural, making access to medical and dental care nearly impossible. In 2019 I traveled with One World Brigades and Kigezi Women and Children Healthcare Initiative, two non-profit organizations that partner together to provide medical and dental services and education to underserved rural communities in Kakore, Uganda. Makeshift mobile clinics are set up in churches, schools and other community gathering spaces. Services are provided to empower the women through workforce development, medical self-care education and clean energy (solar panels) for their homes. “Turaaka” means “we shine” in the native Ugandan language of Rukiga which reflects the goal of elevating the lives of marginalized peoples in Southern Uganda, particularly the women and children.