Uganda once again held elections in February of 2011, but after a recent study of the election process, it is unlikely that anything will change in the new regime. Militant leaders forced voting in some rural places and even if more urban areas. People who were not forced to vote were threatened and coerced into voting for the eventual winner of the elections.

This whole story just got me to thinking about how very lucky we are in this country to vote the way we desire without fear. Even with the squabbling over party lines that has been so very prominent in the media lately, no matter how you vote you are assured of two things. One, you don’t have to tell anyone how you voted or if you voted. Two, you will never be coerced into voting one way or another with threats, intimidation, or violence.

Although our culture has began a very nasty verbal assault across party lines, we will never have to face the kind of turmoil that Uganda is facing now. No matter what we think about how the voting turns out, at least the majority rules. We, not militant leaders with guns, choose our leaders. So this November, be grateful for your right to vote. Go vote. It really doesn’t matter who you vote for so long as you get out and do your civic duty. No matter how the chips fall during the November election be at peace knowing that the American people had their chance to get out and vote for who they wanted to according to their conscious. Pray for Uganda, and maybe one day their country will be as free as ours.

One of the most beautiful natural sites in Uganda are it’s waterfalls. While the country is known for being able to see endangered primates like gorillas and chimpanzees, it is also known for several beautiful waterfall attractions. Uganda is one of the few places on the planet that is divide by the Equator. Additionally, it is said to be source of the mighty Nile River, which eventually runs north to spill out into the Mediterranean Sea. Uganda also shares the beautiful Lake Victoria.

One of the most visited waterfalls is Sipi Falls, near Mt. Elgon. It’s really a series of three waterfalls near the base of the mountain. Additionally ? the country is home to Murchison Falls, another beautiful waterfall, and the country’s most popular waterfall to visit, as well as being home to a national park.

Also, you can go on tours to see endangered species, and local wildlife on safari tours. For example, Murchison Falls offers a three day safari tour where you can not only see the waterfalls, but also get glimpses of some beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. You get a drive across the savannah, lunches, and a three hour boat ride! Quite the experience, for sure! There are other safari tours in country as well that are probably comparable in price and length. Most of them have accommodations built into the price, as well as all three meals each day. It would be a wonderful vacation and a trip of a lifetime!

While Uganda isn’t always at the top of most people’s vacation destinations, it does have some beautiful attractions that would make an incredible trip.

As Americans we commonly view childhood as a time for kids to attend school, play, interact and generally prepare for adulthood. The orphans of Uganda are not so blessed; instead their lives are full of want, neglect and uncertainty. Years of civil war, AIDS and unimaginable poverty have created more than 2 ½ million orphans in this country. What can the every-day American do to help the orphans in Uganda?

The orphans in Uganda need everyday necessities if they are to survive. They need the basics such as food, shelter, apparel, medical care and education in order to go forward and realize a future. There are many religious, medical, education-based and non-profit groups that work with community groups and local organizations in Uganda to help the orphans achieve a healthy, stable life.

The government of Uganda does not subsidize education and therefore schooling is beyond the financial means of most families, much less an orphan. Many groups (Children of Uganda, UNICEF etc) are in Uganda setting up educational programs in hopes of reaching the most vulnerable population, the children.

AIDS is a huge concern in Uganda. Not only are children orphaned by HIV/AIDS but they can themselves suffer from the disease; without medical care these children are facing certain death.

Most experts agree that to control the spread of AIDS requires education and sadly, education is severely lacking in Uganda.

The best way to help the orphans in Uganda is to browse the various groups lending a hand in Uganda. Look for verification that any monies you donate actually wind up used to benefit the children rather than lining some bureaucrat’s pocket. Throw a local fundraiser, ask for your congregation to have a special offering one Sunday a month, have a bake sale- donate whatever money you raise to a reputable Ugandan relief group.

You might be surprised how good it feels to simply give a little of yourself to a cause so noble as helping the orphans of Uganda.

Every year 18 million people world-wide die because of the lack of food, clean water and medical care. One sixth of humans on this planet do not have enough to eat. Extreme poverty accounts for a rising tide of violence in poor countries as people who feel that they have nothing to lose try to take by violence what they cannot get otherwise.

Everyone sees the TV commercials about sending money to organizations to help feed and educate the poor, but in many cases, this aid is only a small drop of what is needed to raise people up.

Poor agricultural techniques in places such as Western Africa and countries in the Far East have contributed to the lack of arable land. In Africa especially the problem of desertification is an increasingly growing problem. Many of the countries involved, primarily Somalia, and Ethiopia, lack stable governments to guide agricultural policies. Other countries have areas that have become so polluted by manufacturing and mining concerns; there is no ‘safe’ land and water to use in agriculture.

Since the late 1970’s countries like India and Bangladesh have worked to provide proper infrastructure to alleviate pollution in agricultural areas. They have also used education programs to teach farmers proper crop rotation and use of natural fertilizers to boost crop yields. These programs provided measurable increases in crop production and a resultant decrease in hunger. As farmers are able to grow foods beyond simple subsistence levels, they are able to sell excess and buy other products and services for themselves and their families. These programs were only possible after stable governments were formed. More than anything, these countries need viable governments to fight poverty.