Further news about Family Life Education Programme in Uganda

Our church at St. James’ by the Park has had special links over a number of years with FLEP (Family Life Education Programme): a non-governmental organisation in Busoga, Uganda run by Rev. Chris Kyewe. Katy Barnes and Penny Allen worked with FLEP in many of their health centres throughout Busoga for short periods of time every year over the course of 11 years, initiating treatment programs for disabled children, running workshops on care for the disabled child and also workshops on screening methods for the newborn, infants and toddlers. They made friendships with health workers in several villages and were able to observe the critical work they do.

In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to ‘freeze’ all USAid for 90 days with no guarantee that this will be continued after that period of time. This has had a devastating effect on many organisations providing health care in developing countries. FLEP received significant funding from USAid (either directly or via the Ugandan government) and so are now unable to provide many of the medical services such as Malaria Reduction, combating HIV/AIDS and even Maternity services. They will not be able to afford adequate numbers of vaccines for the children; while qualified, essential health workers have been dismissed or are being asked to work for no pay. The consequences on health will be devastating. Chris Kyewe reports that some other similar organisations in Uganda are having to close completely!

3 weeks ago, via the weekly e-news, we invited people at SJBTP to contribute towards short-term financial support for FLEP. Thank you for your fantastic response: over £14k has been donated!! We are now in a position where an existing Malaria Reduction programme which has lost funding can be continued for several months and a similar programme can be set up and established in a second district. This will also help to keep some Health Centres running and generate income to pay some Health Centre staff and purchase drugs and medical equipment. As well as this, there are funds to consider a second programme to keep other Health Centres functioning: retaining staff, purchasing drugs and providing medical services to the rural population.

If you didn’t see the original article and feel moved to give financially to support the Health Centres, please approach the trustees of Enable Busoga:

Penny Allen, Katy Barnes, Howard Gray, Andy and Helen Taylor or email us at: enablebusoga@outlook.com before the end of March.

Also, please continue to support FLEP in prayer.

Thank you!