The chicks eggs....

Half the roof finished....

work recommences...

President Yoweri Museveni is settling into his 26th year in power and the chaos caused by the treatment of the opposition during his re-election has subsided.  Thus allowing work to recommence on the dormitory. 


The cost of commodities are increasing, particularly fuel prices and therefore transport fares which have risen in line with global oil trends.  A situation worsened by the fact that the government doesn't think it a priority to have fuel reserves. In Kampala, a litre of petrol goes for about 3,500 Ugandan shillings compared to about 2,800 two months ago -  the recent statement of accounts provided by Big John illustrate this fact.


In March the government warned that a third of the country's 112 districts would face food shortages because of drought and Naminya is no exception.  However, as the chickens enter the laying phase the pressure on Big John to feed the children will be somewhat alleviated. 


Despite these national concerns the outlook for Kidron is bright.  We are cautious not to over commit but at this stage we hope to have some money left over to expand the chicken coop and most certainly another round of chickens for Toni and his team of builders at the roof shout! 

The political situation is unravelling....

Having been in Uganda for the elections this February, the polling stations were very orderly and Kampala and Jinja calm.  However, as Museveni enters his sixth, five-year term fractures among the populace are starting to surface.  Thrice defeated candidate Kizza Besigye is rallying support from the public to bolster his claim that the election was rigged.  Demonstrations led by his supporters  over the last three weeks have caused eight deaths, over 250 injures and an estimated 580 arrests.   The most recent demonstration culminated with Besigye himself being hospitalised in Kenya.  Besigye commented "the population is largely marginalised and is now protesting their marginalisation". He promises to continue demonstrations until the situation is resolved in his favour. 


Whilst most of the demonstrations are being held in Kampala, some two hours from the orphanage - the economic effects are felt country-wide.   The Indian merchants and shopkeepers are once again fleeing in response to this political unrest and causing the cost of materials and oil to increase.   From a practical perspective, we have decided to slow construction of the orphanage utilising the materials we already have until prices come down.  Once the political climate stabilises, the dormitory will be merely weeks from completion.  


  

Accounts....

DATE	CASH.REC		UNIT	TOTAL
31/03/11	673
31/03/11	7,033,975
1/04/11		60 bags of cement @	23500	1,410,000
1/04/11		4 Trips of lake sand	120,000	480,000
1/04/11		8 Trips of bricks	130,000	1,040,000
1/04/11		Off loading 8 trips of bricks	3000	24,000
2/04/11		Final pay of Tonny	1,000,000	1,000,000
2/04/11		6 Trips of river sand	80,000	480,000
2/04/11		5 Trips Agreggades	120,000	720,000
3/04/11		50 pols	5,000	250,000
3/04/11		installing Electricity in coop		427,000
3/04/11		60 pieces of timber	20,000	1,200,000
	7,037,648
				7,031,000
				648

completed wall plate

Last message from John @ 3am Ugandan time!

DEAR CAROLINE AM FEELING SO SLEEPY NOW JUST PERMITE ME TO GO TO BED I LOVE. JOHN