SOS Uganda targets sh6b for 11,000 orphans

Vulnerable children relief organisation SOS children's village Uganda has launched a sh6b fundraising drive to cater for 11,000 orphans.

The agency's national director Olive Lumonya disclosed on Tuesday that the entity intends to increase the number of children in their care from 8, 000 to 11,000 in the next three years.

The drive under the theme: 'Every child deserves a chance' will last for three years.

Speaking at the SOS headquarters in Entebbe, Wakiso district, Lumonya noted that the entity spends sh600,000 per child annually.

Making reference to a report by UNICEF, she cited figures to show the severity of the orphan phenomena.

The national director SOS villages Uganda, Olive Lumonya launching the sh6bn donation drive to support 11,000 orphans. Left is the national director SOS Lesotho Molopo Mokorosi. Photo

"According to the UNICEF reports, Uganda has a population 1.5m orphans. Thousands of them had been abandoned by their parents or relatives," she said.

Since SOS Uganda's   inception in 1991, over 60,000 children, youth and adults have been empowered directly or indirectly.

They currently provide home, care and education for over 8,000 children both in the Family based care and family strengthening programs.

SOS operates in Fort-Portal in Kabarole district, Kakiri in Wakiso district, Gulu and Entebbe.  

Beneficiaries

Patricia Nakato from Kamwenge district who joined SOS four years ago said she enjoys the environment. She said that is in senior one at Uganda Martyrs Rubaga Kampala district.

Peter Kasolo, 10 at Entebbe Education Centre said despite being in the good environment, he would like to join his parents. He requested them to reach out to him if they see his pictures in the media.