Julius Achon and Jim Fee, AUCF Executive Director, traveled to Northern Uganda September 10th – 22nd. Here are the trip highlights:
After a 24-hour trip from Portland, we arrived in Kampala on September 11th and left the morning of the 12th for Nebbi in NW Uganda, close to the DRC (Congo) border. Nebbi is the location of Showers Health Center, a thriving clinic evolving into a small hospital founded by our friend, Fr. Freddy Ocun, a Catholic priest who currently lives in Portland. Much like Julius, Fr. Freddy has worked tirelessly to help the people of his region, including the founding of Showers Health Center. Julius and I spent the day of the 13th at Showers learning – touring the facility, meeting with staff and the Showers board of directors. Later in our trip, Julius and I would be meeting with the prospective Kristina Clinic board, so we took the opportunity to learn the roles/responsibilities and gain insights from the Showers board members’ experiences. We departed Nebbi the afternoon of the 13th and crossed over the Nile River headed for Lira, spotting elephants, baboons and antelope along the way.
From Sept. 14th through the 19th we alternated days in Lira and in Julius’ village, Awake, which is 42 miles north/northeast. Recent heavy rains made the road from Lira to the village very difficult to navigate, so the normal 1½ hour trip became a 2+ hour journey each way (photo above of the road conditions). Fortunately Julius’ cousin Joseph arranged for an aged but adequate Land Cruiser, or we would never have made it to the village.
The Lifewater International well, with clinic construction on the left, nearly complete staff living quarters on the right. In the background (left to right) is Julius, his dad and a writer from Uganda Daily newspaper New Vision
Kristina Clinic construction in Awake village is progressing very well since our May clinic visit. Under the leadership of construction manager Patrick Ebyau and Julius’ brother, Jimmy Okullo, the living quarters are virtually complete, save windows, doors, painting and a 10-meter paver patio surrounding the building. By Uganda standards, the facility is attractive; by village standards it is luxurious, as 99% of the people still live in mud huts with straw roofs. We expect the living quarters will be a significant asset recruiting staff. Since the May trip, clinic construction has progressed to completion of the walls and roofing; in addition Lifewater International has installed the clinic bore-hole well and cool, clear water is flowing for future clinic patients and staff – a huge asset and accomplishment. Patrick and Jimmy expect clinic construction to be complete by the end of November – and we have adequate funds, just barely, to pay for it.
Other Kristina Clinic highlights:
- Julius and I held a meeting with then prospective– now actual– Kristina Clinic board of directors; once completed, the clinic will be owned by the Awake community and governed by the board; setting up a qualified and enthusiastic board was our number one priority for the trip.
- Julius spoke to 450 students at his former primary school in Orum, where he announced a Nov. 5th fun run sponsored by Nike at which 20 schools and 1,200 students will participate; Julius will be supported by five Nike employees. When told each of the kids would receive a Nike shirt, the students went bananas.
- Julius was accompanied for a day by Samson Opus of New Vision, Uganda’s leading newspaper, who will write an article about Julius and his humanitarian work; Samson is a long-time friend of Julius, having written about him as an athlete
- While in Uganda we received word from Seattle Rotary and the Rotary Clubs in San Luis Obispo (District 5240) that grants totaling $13,800 were/will soon be awarded to AUCF to furnish the living quarters, and provide a low power refrigerator to store vaccines and medications
In September, the living quarters for Kristina Clinic staff nears completion.
The rest of the time in Lira was spent planning clinic furnishings, solar power, equipment, staff hiring and about 100 other various items. In addition, Julius and I spent considerable time visiting the orphan kids and Julius’ family.
On the trip home, Julius and I reflected on the tremendous progress made during 2011 thanks in great part to you the AUCF team, our partners Nike, Lifewater International, Pollinate–who recently revamped our website pro bono–Rotary International and our many friends and donors. We are very grateful for our good friends, good fortunate and guidance.