The UK-Uganda Network was formed as a result of the success and interest generated by “UNITE”.
UNITE was a three-way partnership between the UK Scouts Association, the Uganda Scouts Association and UNICEF to promote Child Immunisation in Uganda. Following the turbulent years in the 1970’s and 80’s in Uganda, the country was left needing much help and assistance, in particular the Uganda Scouts Association. In 1988, a small group of Leaders from Northumberland visited Uganda and launched a project to build a Training Centre at the National Camp Site at Kaazi on the banks of Lake Victoria. This came to fruition in 1991 and coincided with the visit to Uganda by Alan Beavis who was at that time Director of Development for the International Fellowship of former Scouts and Guides and a member of the UK Scout Fellowship. Upon his return, he met with the then International Commissioner, John May, who had a wish to develop support for an African country out of which was born the UNITE Project.
This was the first development of an educational type of project involving all members of the Movement through books on program ideas for each section, a fundraising badge and Study Tour to Uganda. This unique partnership between two Scout Associations and UNICEF proved a success in bringing Child Immunisation to six districts in the country. The Ugandan Scouts organized the program, where they went to the villages and being trusted by the mothers, encouraged them to bring their babies and children to centres for immunisation against six deadly diseases. The success of the project led those who had been involved to come together and form the UK-Uganda Network.
Thus, the Network has provided an opportunity for expanding International Scouting through the International Friendship Award by raising awareness and promoting activities to support ideas and projects in the UK for members of the Uganda Scout Association and their communities.
Other Projects:
- Venture Scouts from Avon have undertaken a 10-year project to develop a plot of land at Buwenda, with the building of a Training Centre and Camp Site, known as the BP Training Centre and Camp Site, Buwenda, nr Jinja.
- Scouts from Northamptonshire adopted a school in the slum area of Kampala – Bwaise – providing permanent classrooms and funding for child education.
- Scouts in Surrey collected and transported a container full of educational resources enabling a library to be set up in a school in Iganga under “Books for All”.
Thus, the Network acts as a sounding board and means of sharing ideas, experiences and resources. Projects, which have been initiated and developed by Beaver colonies, Scout Groups, Venture Scouts, Districts, Counties and Nationally, have been successfully completed in support of members of the Uganda Scouts Association and the communities in which they live.
To mark the Millennium Year, a project known as “Uganda 2000” was successfully completed with 150 Scouts visiting Uganda. Some successfully completed a first ever Explorer Belt Expedition to Africa, others climbed Mount Elgon and all participated in community projects before attending the Uganda 2000 Jamboree to mark 85 years of Scouting in Uganda. The effect of “Uganda 2000” had a great impact on the status of the Uganda Scouts Association in their country, enhancing their work, supported by encouragement from the Government and President Musuveni.
The key to success of the UK-Uganda Network was through the introduction of E Mail and a website, with the members meeting twice a year for renewing friendships, exchanging ideas, experiences and developing new plans for the future advancement of International Scouting.
