Frequently Asked Questions

For many years, the world knew Uganda as the pearl of Africa. The mountains, lakes, and wildlife are beautiful. The people have huge hearts. Natural resources abound. But like most countries on the continent, the country was led by rulers who enriched themselves while suppressing their people. In the 1970s, the bloody reign of Idi Amin plunged an already struggling and under-resourced country into chaos and terror. Hundreds of thousands were slaughtered by their own government. Things are better now, but the continued explosion in population and the poverty in so many places make progress difficult. Thankfully, the government allows religious freedom and welcomes nonprofits to come alongside its people. No one knows how to turn the whole country around, but we know how to make a difference in one village after the other.

Three things: Our Ugandan employees save and extend lives, they equip people to lift themselves out of poverty, and they transform villages into places of safety and hope.

Each of our two medical teams consists of two medical clinical officers, a midwife, a nurse, and a driver. They operate mobile clinics that travel into remote villages and do the following:

1. They create volunteer wellness clubs in each village.
2. They do health education with the objective of minimizing illness and extending lives.
3. They treat illnesses, diseases, and injuries.
4. They respond to emergencies and arrange for emergency surgeries.
5. They share audio Bibles and other spiritual resources as requested, and they support and pray for the families who need it.

Our micro-business team teaches classes on personal finances and business development, then coaches individuals and teams to turn their knowledge and passion into financial self-support.

Our domestic violence prevention team teaches classes for both women and men, organizes “Mankind Clubs” comprised of men who use their influence to protect women, transports women and children to shelter homes when necessary, engages authorities (police, social workers, prosecutors and judges), and changes offenders’ behavior.

Uganda is one of the poorest countries in the world. It is the same size as the state of Oregon in the U.S, but has ten times as many people. A number of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and nonprofits operate in Uganda, but few are working in the Bundibugyo District where almost 350,000 people live in primitive shelters on the hills and in the jungles. Bundibugyo is tucked behind the Rwenzori Mountains along the Congo border, and until 2014 was accessible only via a narrow, nearly-impassible mud-and-rocks road. Life is difficult. Life expectancy is estimated to be in the high 30s. Disease, violence, and poverty are more pervasive here than in most other areas of the country which is why most humanitarian organizations choose to work elsewhere. Ourganda chooses to serve in the place where the need is greatest.

Almost 4,000 people have joined the wellness clubs. Members contribute a small, annual co-pay and attend core health classes. In turn, they receive priority for birthing kits, hygiene kits, kids kits, and medical treatment. Sickness and unnecessary deaths have been dramatically reduced among those who have joined the wellness club.

Our first vehicle was a 2002 Toyota Noah van with four-wheel drive. We purchased it in Japan and had it shipped to Uganda. It was perfect in almost every way, but the ground clearance was too low to get into some of the villages.

In June 2018 we purchased a 1995 Toyota HiAce all-wheel-drive van that had very low mileage. We bought this one in Kampala. Thanks to some generous donors, we paid cash again so we would not have debt. The HiAce is serving us well, even in the bad clay mud roads, cow trails and on the paved roads. With the sturdy roof rack and the large interior, we are able to carry the team and supplies we need in the villages.

In June 2019 we bought a 1999 Toyota Prado 4×4 to serve as the medical unit for our second care team. After installing a sturdy roof rack and ladder, the Prado carries the team and all needed supplies to villages that cannot be reached with a normal vehicle.

Absolutely. An exceptionally generous business donates office space, internet, and copies to Ourganda and our employees on the U.S. side of the ocean are volunteers. Someday we will invest in local core support so the ministry can continue to scale, but for now, the overwhelming share of donations goes directly to the mission in western Uganda. In addition, our finances are regularly audited and are an open book to any donor or prospective donor.

Absolutely. Contact our office and we will work out the details.