Update from Thomas Lubari August 2026

Recent Events

Trauma Training (UGA04f)

The two-day trauma training took place in Adjumani targeting refugee church and community leaders and pastors who work among refugees. The training covered the most practical parts of trauma. These include:
1) The cry of the traumatized
2) The causes of trauma
3) Symptoms of trauma
4) Counselling victims of trauma
5) Forgiveness
6) The healing process
7) Hindrances to healing
8) Coping with trauma

Achievements: The participants involved those who have for the first time attended a trauma training. They appreciated the training and requested that more training be arranged to benefit more people. The participants themselves were victims of  trauma and needed practical help. 

Foundations for Farming (UGA08)

The season had been affected by harsh weather with many farms drying up. The practice of irrigation is less adapted by the farmers in northern Uganda resulting in the drying of crops. However, some refugees who planted in time and mulched their fields have crops that grew well although with reduced harvest.

Vocational Training (UGA04c)

Current Students: 
1) Nabasa Isaac Owen - Building & Construction, Jinja Vocational Institute
2) Joshua Kyomuhendo - Business Administration, Makerere University Business School
3) Esther Patience Amme - Marketing, Makerere University Business School
4) Awa Hope Brenda - Accounts, Makerere University Business School
5) Kicoco Dianah Grace - Electrical Installation, Jinja Vocational Institute
6) James Andama - Clinical Medical & Community Health, Bugembe Institute of Health Sciences
7) Repent Juma - Plumbing, Nile Vocational Institute
8) Tricilla Ikoyo - Medical Laboratory Technician, Bugembe Institute of Health Sciences
9) Mugume Don Davis - Electrical Systems & Maintenance, Jinja Vocational Institute
10) Baraba Richard - Medical Laboratory Technician, Bugembe Institute of Health Sciences
11) Atai Jane - Accounts, Kyambogo University, Kampala
12) Keji Faith James - Accounts, Uganda Christian University
13) Ana Itta Samuel - Civil Engineering, International University of East Africa
14) Ponni Shanitah - Pharmacy, Bugembe Institute of Health Sciences
15) Benitah Ayinoshibye - Opthalmology, Jinja Opthalmic Institute

Students who have completed their studies in 2026 from the above list:
- Keji Faith James, BSc. Accounts, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda
- Tricilla Ikoyo, Laboratory Technology, Bugembe Institute of Health Sciences
- Baraba Richard, Laboratory Technology, Bugembe Institute of Health Sciences

Microloan Group in Arua (UGA04e)

The Arua self-settled refugees are doing their best to engage in small businesses that include selling bread, foodstuff, honey, vegetables, body lotions while others are engaged in tailoring/sewing. They have been actively engaged in making savings towards internally borrowing to improve on their businesses.

Current Issues and Challenges

Vocational Training: Fees have increased by $200 per student 

I have a need for personal transport and hiring a car is expensive. Supported students often stay with us increasing the cost of feeding and water bills causing increased expenditure.

Foundations for Farming: Best quality seeds are more than five times expensive compared to the usual seeds.