Kabale` is a district in western Uganda. Like other Ugandan districts, it is named after its 'chief town'. It was originally the Kigezi District where mainly the Bakiga tribal clans live. There are also clans from the Banyarwanda and the Bahororo (Toro) tribal clans. The word Kabale means a stone. Kabale is located approximately 252 mies, southwest of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city.
Population
The 2002 national census estimated the population of Kabale District at about 471,800, with an annual population growth rate of 3% It is estimated that in 2011, the population of the district is approximately 660,000.Kabale district is densely populated. With an area of 1,827 square kilometers (705 sq mi), the population density in the district in 2009 is estimated at 318 people per km² (824 people per mi²). The land is heavily fragmented. An average household has six to seven plots of land on several hills. The people are predominantly from the Bakiga tribe, but also from Batwa (Pygmies), the Banyarwanda and the Bahororo (Toro) tribal clans.
Prayer points
Pray for unity among the tribes
Religion
Kabale is mainly Catholic, then the Anglican Church (Episcopalians) follows up closely Islam is growing but still minority followed by several Pentecostal faiths, etc. the gospel is slowly and steadily gaining ground, and apathy and indecisiveness is dwindling.However, there is still some of religious segregation and some harassment and unhealthy completion.
Prayer point
Please pray against the religious strong hold
Health
The mortality rate of children under five stands at 154/1000 compared to the national average of 122/1000 (Kabale District Report 2002)
The ratio of doctors to population is 1:46,525 whereas the nurse to population is 1:8,567. Of these, 69% are nursing aids (Kabale District Report)
Only 38.7% of children under five years are fully immunized and 61.3% are partially immunized. This is attributed to the low literacy levels and long distances to the immunization posts. Almost 60% of households live within an average of 6km distance from a health unit, 41% live more than 6km away (Kabale District Report,)
There are very few health centers, which are under stuffed and have no medical supplies
NB the whole district has five baby incubators for premature babies. most premature babies die
Prayer points
- Infant mortality
- many are sick and need physical healing
- pray against the HIV aids pandemic
- pray for the many orphans and widows
- Major diseases are: Malaria fever, HIV aids 5% of the population
- Pray for more medical stuff and supplies.
Nutrition
Most household only have one meal a day causing malnutrition, especially among the children.
16% of the Children are stunted
Women work in fields far from home (between 5-10kms) for 10-12 hours a day and children who stay at home skip meals or feed on poorly-preserved leftovers. Just over 20% of children have chronic malnutrition (TDI report)
Alcohol consumption is to high especially among the male population as such they do not help the mothers in work. And is un able to care for the other family needs.
Over 95% of the population are farmers with small land holdings cultivated using traditional farming techniques. This leads to low yields and soil exhaustion. Animal husbandry is not widely practiced due to land limitations.
The common food crops grown in Rukiga are Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, beans and sorghum Most kinds of Vegetables also do well. With fruits like avocado and pineapples
Prayer Points
- The provision for the needy
- Pray against alcoholism.
- NB about five months ago, over thirty people died in a span of two week after consuming (crude waragi) a locally made spirit
- pray for unity and cooperation in the families in working together.
Education
The literacy level of Kabale is at 47.4% (Uganda Bureau of Statistics Demographic and Household Survey 1999/2000), while 76% of the adult population didn’t go beyond primary level of education
Prayer points
- opportunities to go to school
- school teachers
- scholastic materials etc.
Conclusion
We are reaching a crowded, hungry, and sick uneducated population desperate for answers to the vicious cycle of both spiritual and material emptiness. Only The Lord Jesus can fully answer their questions.
