The Beginnings of Uganda Wish
Hello, I’m Khaliku Kaba, the Executive Director of Uganda Wish and one of its founding board members. I hail from a humble village in Uganda named Alivu, located within Rhino Camp subcounty. In 2008, I embarked on a life-changing journey to the United States through the refugee resettlement process. Over a decade later, in 2019, when I revisited my village as a US citizen, I witnessed the harsh realities of poverty plaguing my community. It was then that the idea of Uganda Wish was born, as I sought ways to uplift my village towards a self-sustaining future.
The Eye-Opening Experience:
During that visit, I fell seriously ill from drinking contaminated water, which forced me to explore the water source. Shockingly, the village had been using water from nearby swamps as their only well had long ceased to function. This dire situation unveiled the pressing issue of water scarcity and suffering in my homeland, igniting my passion to initiate the development goals that would later culminate in the charitable organization you read about today.
The Ugandan Landscape:
To provide context, Uganda is a small East African nation boasting a diverse blend of geography and culture. Home to Africa’s tallest mountain range, the continent’s largest lake, and the source of the world’s longest river, Uganda is home to approximately 42 million people and over 50 unique tribes. Despite three decades of stability and economic growth, the majority of Ugandans still grapple with living on less than $2 a day, with more than 23 million people lacking access to clean water.
Addressing the Water Crisis:
In response to the water crisis, we took action. According to WaterAid, over 23.8 million Ugandans lack access to clean water, and more than 31.6 million lack decent toilets. Shockingly, over 4,500 children under 5 die each year from waterborne diseases. This reality was especially true for my village, where constant exposure to contaminated water led to widespread illness. Recognizing the opportunity I had as a resettled refugee in Lansing, I felt an obligation to support not only my village but other Ugandan communities, with Alivu village as our pioneering case study.
Our First Milestone:
In the summer of 2021, we achieved Step 1 of our mission by providing clean and safe water to Alivu village through the construction of a new water well and the restoration of a non-functional borehole. This project was made possible through the generosity of the people of Lansing and Michigan. Alivu village now boasts two working boreholes, ensuring access to safe drinking water. Our approach involved close collaboration with village members and elders, as well as partnerships with experts in Uganda to determine development costs and find the best contractors. This initial project was featured in the Lansing State Journal in April 2021, marking a significant milestone in Ugandan rural development.
A Vision for the Future:
As we move forward, our vision extends beyond clean water. We aspire to address innovation, sanitation, and hunger alleviation, drawing inspiration from Alivu village and scaling our efforts to communities across Uganda and potentially beyond. Future initiatives may include providing farm tractors for large-scale farming to combat hunger and establishing vocational tailoring schools, with a particular focus on girls and young women who face limited opportunities. Many women and girls in our communities are single mothers, facing socio-economic challenges without support from fathers.
Uganda WISH: Providing Hope:
Uganda WISH, an acronym for Water Wells, Innovation, Sanitation, and Hunger Alleviation, embodies our commitment to providing a brighter future for those without opportunities. As our projects progress, we promise transparency in all our efforts, ensuring every dollar is accounted for. Whether you contribute financially or simply share our story, you are breathing hope and life into our mission, and we are forever grateful. From the small village of Alivu, together we can illuminate even the darkest corners and work towards a better future for all of humanity.
The Path to Education:
In Step 2 of our case study, we are on our way to providing a classroom. Uganda WISH is currently constructing a dual-purpose building that represents a significant milestone in fulfilling our mission. This versatile structure serves as a learning center for both children and adults, as well as a place of prayer. It underscores our commitment to holistic development and active community engagement.
In hope for a better future, Khaliku Kaba