Our church at SJBTP has had special links over a number of years with FLEP (Family Life Education Programme): a non-governmental organisation in Busoga, Uganda. FLEP came about as a result of the vision of Bishop Cyprian: a gentle, caring and courageous man of God. At a gathering of Bishops and Archbishops in Uganda, they were all asked what personal gifts they would like to receive to help their ministry. Bishop Cyprian stated that he wanted nothing for himself but he wanted the provision of better health care in the villages in Busoga. There was significant poverty in these villages leading to death during childbirth, death from childhood diseases and malaria and significant suffering through lack of medical services.
In 1986, the work of FLEP began with new health centres built in 52 remote villages throughout the Busoga diocese. The health centres provided trained mid wives to assist with the births, ante and post-natal care. Immunisation clinics for children to protect against childhood diseases were started, also Malaria diagnosis and treatment and later on, HIV testing and treatment. The bible verse that underpins their work is John 10 vs 10b: ‘I have come that they may ALL have life and have it abundantly.’
Rev. Chris Kyewe took on the role of executive director of FLEP as Bishop Cyprian recognised in him a person with a heart for this ministry, integrity, courage, tenacity and determination.
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 asked to work for no pay. The consequences on health will be devastating.
Our church does have this special link with FLEP and the trustees of Enable Busoga have been working to provide some support over a number of years. Whilst it is not possible for us to support all organisations affected by the 'freeze’ or even make up the full shortfall of the FLEP funding, we feel it would be appropriate to offer some short-term financial support to enable the continued provision of health care to an organisation with which we have a longstanding working and personal relationship.
If you feel moved to give financially, please approach the trustees of Enable Busoga:
Penny Allen, Katy Barnes, Howard Gray, Andy and Helen Taylor or email us at: enablebusoga@outlook.com
Also, please pledge to support FLEP in prayer.
In the longer term, FLEP will need trustworthy partners to work with them and/or to provide financial support. If anyone has any insights or suggestions or indeed experience of working for a medical NGO then please contact one of the trustees.
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