A Note From Our Founder, Kelsey

mining update from kelsey hargadine

Hello family of ROWAN!

As you have stood by us during this unforeseen mining crisis in our region, I wanted to give you a real-time update on what ROWAN is doing to actively protect and fight for the rights of not only our own beneficiaries, but over 2 MILLION affected by this project.

For the past month, we as ROWAN, along with the support and guidance of the local lawyers out of Kampala have guided negotiations between the mining company and the people.

What are we negotiating?

As the mining company uses their exploratory license to find minerals in our region, their next goal would be to get a signed MOU from individual land owners to obtain a mining license. Initially this MOU was found to be extremely shallow, with zero interest in the peoples’ rights and need for compensation. The mining company had a plan to divide and conquer in order to obtain such signatures.

Thankfully, through the collaborative efforts of our ROWAN staff and lawyer team, we educated the community to stand together as one. The community is now working in unity across 3 Districts!

Our lawyers are actively visiting the affected communities and educating people on their rights. They are guiding our steps and standing in the gap between the government, mining company, and the PAPs (Project Affected Persons.)

It is a long road ahead, but we are hopeful in God’s protection and provision of His children.

When you stand with ROWAN, you are not only supporting the orphans and widows in our program, but you are supporting our advocacy efforts. It is no surprise to our God that we are located at the heart of this crisis, and we have unshakeable faith that God will show us the opportunity to impact millions for His Kingdom! What an honor.

The most important thing right now is to intercede for the ministry and those on the front lines of this effort.

Prayer prompts are here ♥

With Love from ROWAN,

Kelsey Hargadine

mining update from kelsey hargadine

Post Author: Micayla Jorgensen

News of increasing violence in Kampala

Police in Uganda behind crime scene tape

The end of October saw Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, under attack.  On the evening of October 23rd, people in Kampala were out enjoying an evening meal when an explosion rocked the city center.   Then less than 48 hours later, another explosion targeted a bus traveling from the capital to western Uganda.  Investigators believe both bombings are the work of rebel Allied Democratic Forces, a known affiliate of the Islamic State.  After the Islamic State released a video claiming responsibility for the bombing on the 23rd, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni called it an act of terrorism.  

In an interview with VOA News, Fred Enanga, a Ugandan Police Spokesman, said that three men with ties to Allied Democratic Forces, the ADF,  had been arrested on suspicion of setting up the attack in the city center.  Police say that three men entered the eatery with a bag containing an improvised explosive devise, set the bag under a table, and left shortly before the explosion. This explosion killed a 20-year-old waitress and caused several other injuries to people within a 5 square mile radius.

The bus bombing on Monday, October 25th occurred as the bus was leaving the city.  This blast caused one death and several injuries.  Police say that the death was that of the young man who carried out the attack.  While there have been no clear claims of responsibility for this bombing, Ugandan police believe it to be another attack by the ADF.  

The Allied Democratic Forces strongly oppose Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his government.  They are based in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and have been slowly expanding into other countries in the region.  In a press conference following the bombings, Fred Enanga told reporters that investigators believe an ADF sleeper cell exists in Kampala and that prior to the bombings, police had arrested 13 suspected ADF members.  

We at ROWAN are standing with the people of Uganda in praying for peace in the nation and for comfort for those affected by these bombings.  

Photo by Associated Press

Post Author: Kirsten Formea

We Danced until the Sun Went Down

Sunday, May 26th was a day to celebrate…

…and if you know anything about the people of Mawanga, they know how to party.

For those of you who don’t know what a party in Mawanga looks like, here’s what you would have seen if you were there. There were 2000 community members, ROWAN members, spiritual leaders, government officials and an international team of 17.  The ROWAN women and children danced and put on skits. ROWAN honoured the 32 students who have worked hard and graduated the program.  These students were awarded certificates. But the celebrations didn’t stop there. 

Tom Dluzak and Troy Nibbelink, who were instrumental in the design of the Hall of Hope were able to make the trip to ROWAN and see the completed project. They were excited to see the work that had been done. With over 8,000 square feet of space, the Hall of Hope will be a pillar in the community and ROWAN will be able to host all their programs and events within these walls!

Help is still needed

The Hall of Hope still needs some work to be fully completed and ready to serve the people the way it was designed. If you are willing to help fill the need of a solar panel and a water pump, please click here and donate.

 

Post Author: Kris Mbabazi

More Sudanese Refugees Coming to Uganda

Post Author: Brad Young

Uganda/Rwanda Tension on the Rise

Post Author: Brad Young

Food Poisoning in Uganda

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