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Here Come the news in our archives from Wells of Hope Ministries! Today is
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Wells of hope has continued to pay school fees for 60 children, in 31 familiesOf prisoners. When the school term began on the 17th September 2007 , we quickly went to the schools to pay second term school fees, a move that surprised many of the beneficiaries(some thought we would not show up), Ssuubi the programme coordinator , insisted that we should not wait for our beneficiaries to call us or even try to contact us. More

HOPE THROUGH EDUCATION CONTRIBUTION.
Wells of hope has continued to pay school fees for 60 children, in 31 families. When the school term began on the 21st May 2007 , we quickly went to the schools to pay second term school fees, a move that surprised many of the beneficiaries, Francis Ssuubi the programme coordinator , insisted that we should not wait for our beneficiaries to call us or even try to contact us. And indeed it worked, even for the children who usually go late to school due to lack of fees or necessities, for the first time were able to report to school on the first day or in the first week. Click on link below to read more

http://www.wellsofhope.org/education_secondterm.php
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Prison visit and psycho social support given.

Wells of hope with the support of its partners has managed to help prisoners who are living with HIV/AIDS. On the 11th of May 2007 ,15th June 2007 and 21st June 2007 we reached out to prisoners in three prisons, that is the women prisons, the Murchison bay, Upper prisons all located in Luzira,Kampala and Jinja Main Prison respectively. Click on link below to read more

http://www.wellsofhope.org/goodsamaritan_01.php
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He survived the hangman

There was a deafening sound of joy and jubilation as the Judge ruled that Sam should be acquitted. In disbelief Sam fainted in the dock where he was, he had survived the hangman! Sam says that Being on death row for seven years is not something easy, even when you make an appeal like he did, you cannot really be certain of the future, its only God the redeemer who can dedicate one’s future according to Sam.

Click on link below to read more

http://www.wellsofhope.org/survived_the_hangman.php
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Support group is formed by Caregivers of Children whose parents
Caregivers of Children whose parents are in prison resolved and agreed to form a support group, this was arrived at the end of a one day participatory evaluation workshop
The workshop took place on 21st April 2007 at better living centre .
The workshop was attended by a sample of 11 families out of the 23 families .
Click on link below to read more

http://www.wellsofhope.org/support_group_formation.php
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Scars to Stars: In our pursuit to help children of people in prison living with HIV/AIDS ,last Friday(30th March 2007) we met Aidah , a lady whose entire body is almost all covered with big scars after having survived the wrath of her husband who decided to spray sulphuric acid in the one roomed house she was sleeping in at around 3.00am in the night, arising out of a marital conflict..Read More

The prayer of two young girls to meet their father was answered.

The father of Christine now aged 9 and Proscovia aged 13 was imprisoned when they were still toddlers-so they never got to know what had happened to their dad. Their mothers (they are born of different moms) found other men and dumped them at a relatives’ home who in turn dumped them at the gate of an orphanage-they do not know any of their relatives.Read more

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Hidden Treasure: Every year Wells of Hope helps to lessen the pain of a parents in prison separated from their children at christmas time.We hosted the children of Prisoners to a party, where we gave them gifts and a Christmas Package,we will continue to visit throught out Januray 2007.Your support can make a difference.Click here to look at the photographs:

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Education Contribution

Starting this February 2007 we will contribute USD 52(per year) towards the education of 60 Children of in-mates living with HIV/AIDS, our aim is to reach out with the mercies of Jesus, to stop stigma and to protect these children who can easily be abused as a result of their predicament. We will also offer Physco-Social support besides boosting the Nutrition of those who are ill. The need is so so big but we will try use the little we have to reach out. We hope these outreaches will create a positive impact in our community.

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We had a christmas party for inmates in Masaka Governement Prison.We donated a bull courtesy of Action Uganda;It was remarkable thing for us to share a meal with the inmates and have fellowship together,something that could never be imagined. Normally they feel that no one wants to have a meal with them. It was truly awesome..Click for more

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We thank God in January we were able to reach out to Luzira Complex prisons (to include the prison of men on death row, the women prison and Murchison bay prison) with 1650kgs of Soya rich foods for In-mates living with HIV/AIDS, this has helped them immensely, obviously we were also able to present the gospel-Continue to pray for conversions. We thank Rev.James Robinette for his donation.

This February we were able to reach out to Masaka Prison with Bibles for 41 inmates who had completed bible studies.

We also visited and presented the Gospel to in-mates who are admitted in Murchison bay Prison hospital, again with the help of Rev. James Robinnette,Action Uganda we were able to donate 50 blankets to in mates living with HIV/AIDS. On the team we had Brother Fred Barungi who provided us with transport and also shared his testimony which was so inspiring to the in-mates.

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It is OUR great pleasure to present the Wells Of Hope’sAugust 2006 Newsletter, which we feel reflects what God has done through Wells Of Hope Ministries over the past second quarter of this year. Our outreaches so far have been smooth and we thank the Lord for the opportunity He has given us to serve. We thank all of you who have partnered with us, for those who have given in their time and those who have give in materially and financially. Together we are putting Jesus’ Love in Action. Do not be surprised one day when God tells you, 'I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!' Mat 25:40

Outreach to Jinja Prison
Our next visit to Jinja Prison was on 17th August 2006 ,on team we quite a bigger team comprising of Mr Simwende Emmanueal ,Racheal Mirembe, Mr and Mrs Ssuubi, and Ms Theresa Kemp. Theresa was our special visitor that day coming all the way from Florida USA. This time we were able to visit both the Men and women prisons in Kirinya Jinja.Our first stop was in Jinja women Prison were the Officer in Charge welcomed us, we also found other officers such as the Welfare officer, the regional Nursing Officer and other Prison wardens. Theresa was a blessing in the visit; she traveled with diapers for every of the 9 kids in the Prison and a special bag for each of the 32 women. In this bag were sanitary pads, tooth paste, tooth brush, soap and perfume. The women in the prison were very happy because they had never received such a package like that before. Theresa had about 45 minutes the share her testimony and an encouraging message from the word of God.
From the women prison we proceeded to the men prison, here we were able to have a service in Kirinya redeemed Church, which is a men of death row. It was such an inspiring moment with them. Rachael and Theresa gave a word of encouragement to these brothers in the Lord .In all the visits Emmanuel played the guitar and sang a special song for the prisoners. During this visit we had an opportunity of donating 50kgs of Sugar, and 10 trays of Eggs for the prisoners who are leaving with HIV/AIDS so as to supplement their diet. Theresa also donated a box of Soap o the prisoners on death row. We need too thank Theresa who has also donated bibles for all the women in Jinja women prisons and she hopes to send bibles for the men on death row. This is an answer to prayers for Bibles, God bless Theresa for having supported us so immensely.
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It is OUR great pleasure to present the Wells Of Hope’s July 2006 Newsletter, which we feel reflects what God has done through Wells Of Hope Ministries over the past second quarter of this year. Our outreaches so far have been smooth and we thank the Lord for the opportunity He has given us to serve. We thank all of you who have partnered with us, for those who have given in their time and those who have give in materially and financially. Together we are putting Jesus’ Love in Action. Do not be surprised one day when God tells you, 'I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!' Mat 25:40

“Taking medicine without eating properly is like washing your hands and drying them in the dirt.”

Nutrition is a life-sustaining treatment and the role of nutrition in the treatment of HIV is critical. It’s estimated about 1500 prisoners are living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda, So Working with Uganda Prison Service and Action Uganda, wells of Hope Ministries began a pilot program to find out how prisoners living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda would respond to soy protein.
• On the 24th March 2006, we launched the programme in Upper Prison, Luzira Maximum Security Prison. In attendance was Ms Mary Kaddu, the Senior Assistant Commissioner of Prison, Dr.Kakoraki, the Ag. Director of Prisons Medical Services, Mr. and Mrs. Ssuubi ,Ms Jennifer Nshemereirwe, the Mobilization Coordinator for Wells Of Hope ,Rev. James Robinnette ,the Missionary with Action Uganda, The Officer in Charge –Upper prison, other prison officers and about 50 prisoners living with HIV under the umbrella of Aids Control Programme –Upper prison Luzira.
• We have witnessed prisoners living with HIV respond very well to soy protein; they do not get sick so often as per reports from the prisons.
• We had the opportunity to reach out to the prisoners in Kigo Prison on Easter day; we were able to give them foodstuffs, which included 50kgs of Soya and 20 KGs of Sugar. We also had an Easter service with 80 men, these sat quietly on the ground and we worshipped together
• In all our visits we have been able to offer spiritual and moral help to the in mates.

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LUZIRA COMPLEX

In the Month of July and August we had our visit to Luzira group of prisons which encompasses Luzira Upper Maximum security Prison, Murchison Bay Prison, Kampala remand and women prison.
On the 24th July 2006 we had our first visit too murchision bay prisons,on the team we had Rev.James robinnette,Francis Ssuubi,Mrs Aletha Blair Brecken Rigge, Mr Blair bracken Rigge and Ray Anman and Kappy Mathews.
On the 10th August 2006,in collaboration With Rev. Robinnette James representing Action Uganda we donated 21 bags of Soya each weighing 50kgs.In a mini ceremony we had the Officer in Charge, the nurse of Murchison Bay hospital Sister Katushabe, Cadet ASP Ms Atukunda Aliyo representing the commissioner of prisons and journalist from the New Vision Newspaper. Representing the prisoners was the overall prisoner’s leader and the Pastor of the Pentecostal church. These foodstuffs are to serve as supplement to people living with HIV/AIDS in the prisons. Probably we should say this the biggest amount of donation we have contributed to a particular institution .Great thanks go to Rev.James Robinnette of Action Uganda for his continual support with out his donation our outreach to people living HIV/AIDS would be very difficult.

In partnership with The Young Workers Fellowship of Kampala Pentecostal Church led by Br.Fred Barungi ,We had a marathon outreach to Luzira Complex on the 13th August 2006, this saw us visit with a group of over 18 people all them members of Young Workers Fellowship –Central. In .This outreach we had one group visit the women Prison, another Murchison Bay Prison and another group went to Maximum security Upper Prison.In this outreach the young workers donated one bag of Sugar to Upper Prison, one bag of Sugar to Murchison Bay Prison and 6 trays of Eggs to the women prison. We take this opportunity to thank the Young workers Central for your support; especially the executive who includes Fred Barungi, Dan Sentalo, Francis Gimara, Irene Segawa and Henry Ayesiga surely you remembered our brother and sister in the Prisons.

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Outreach to Ex-Prisoners

Our outreach to ex-prisoners have led us to helping Moses an ex-prisoner start off a new live, during our last prayer meeting on the 26th August 2006, we donated a start up kit which included a pair of shoes, two trousers, three shirts and 15,000= UGS. We thank Br. John Mutyaba for the donation of clothes.

Conclusion:
APPEAL
We request government, Non-Government organizations individuals, to come out and help Wells of hope to reach out effectively and more significantly to the Prisoners who are living with HIV/AIDS. As wells of hope we are limited in many ways even as we deliver these food supplements.
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Wells of Hope-Prison outreach is non-profit, non denominational Christian organization that works with the Prison authority to foster regeneration amongst people who have been affected by crime especially Prisoners. It should be noted that as much as we are a Christian organization, we do discriminate prisoners basing on their religious affiliation when it comers to reaching out with a hand of mercy.
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In the Press-No article
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Thank you
• We hereby thank Jim and Catherine Robinnete of Action Uganda who have helped us in reaching out to Prisoners living with AIDS. With their help we are able to donate a Soya, Sugar and Victoria fish (Mukene),

• We thank the Young workers Fellwoship of Kampala Pentecostal Church Led by Bro.Fred Barungi for their generous contribution and outstanding participation in the August 2006 outreach ,May the Lord bless you.

• We take this opportunity also to thank Ms Teresa Kemp for coming all the way from Florida USA and for the awesome gifts that she gave to the women in Jinja Kirinya Prison, and the men in Jinja main prison. We also wish to thank God for the new found relationship and her willingness on her part and her friends in the US to help us kick Start our Freedom Homes project; this project will help us reach out significantly to women and men who have been in prison by helping them re join society upon their release.

• We cannot forget, the Better Living resource center, with out their premises; it would be very difficult for us to conduct our monthly prayer meetings.

• Lastly we wish to thank all the volunteers, partners, friends who have helped in one way or another, in all that you have done you have reached out to a prisoners

On Sunday 23rd April 2006 we visited Mbarara, the experience was so saddening, and actually Francis Ssuubi was the only volunteer who visited that day. He found 102 Men all stuffed in one small room who were critically sick, they were so bony, with spotted skin and some had sunken eyes. The prison authorities in Mbarara
were so grateful for our intervention and said the help was so timely, Francis gave them 50kgs Soya and 18kgs sugar, from what Francis observed we determined to visit again. There was one special room which they call isolation cell, it has close to 20 men and these ones are the really worst cases of TB and diarrhea, they could even stand up, they were all glued to
the blankets laid on the cold floor which serve as mattress and cover at the same time.
This prison is referral for all the other surrounding prisons for sick prisoners.
The second visit was on the 10th June 2006, Francis and Ellen Visited with 100Kgs of Soya and 25kgs of Sugar. The situation was far better, because of the improved nutrition; some of the patients were discharged from the ward of sick prisoners and taken back to the general ward where all other Prisoners sleep. Although still you could see that some of the prisoners needed to have a better diet, at least the situation is better.
We realized that there is a need to help the sick children who are also imprisoned along their mothers and have HIV. Mbarara women prison has the highest number of Children imprisoned along with their mothers which ranges from 15-20 kids.

On the 6th July 2006, we visited Kirinya Prison -Jinja, the Prisoners were so happy to receive us; equally the reception was so good from the staff, who included the officer in charge, the Regional Nurse and Aids Control Programme Coordinator and the senior welfare officer.
We donated 108 Kgs of Soya and 38 kgs of Sugar. These goodies were received with a lot of Gratitude.
Before we could leave, it was reported that some of the prisoners who had had been tested and were in denial and hiding their results arose to prove that they were HIV positive and so qualify to have a share of the Soya porridge with sugar. So this means we need to step up the quantities to match with the numbers of Prisoners with HIV/AIDS.
The Nurse also told us, that many of the prisoners have been encouraged to test and ascertain HIV/AIDS status.
We also learnt that about two years ago, the Prisons used to receive food supplements fro TASO but for a very long time now they have not been able to get these food supplements.
We met a snag, when we were asked whether the Prison officers living with HIV/AIDS were also entitled to he food supplements. We told them that our attention is towards the Prisoners living with HIV, but next time we could see how we cater for the Prison officers who are also in equal need of food supplements.
Our concern and prayer request now is that we can have an increased supply of these foodstuffs, so that we can meet the increased demand. As you may realize that what we are supplying now is very little and we usually take long to go back to a particular prison, and there are so many prisons we wish to reach out to.

Up Next
We shall be visiting the following prisons in the month of July stretching out to August 2006.
• Luzira women Prison
• Murchison Bay Prison-Luzira
• Luzira Upper Prison
• Kirinya Prison-Jinja
• Masaka Prison

Problems we have encountered
• Usually it is difficult to ascertain the number of patients, most times when we go we discover upon arrival at a particular prison that the Prisoners with HIV/AIDS are many
• We usually have little supplies as compared to the number of patients
• We lack transport of our own; we usually use taxis or Buses for long distances, which make the journey expensive and cumbersome. At one time boxes of sugar tore and the sugar spilled out, then another instance, the boxes of Soya became wet, because there was water on the car floor, we did not have a choice on the taxi to use and we did not know that the taxi floor was wet.
• Because of transport problem still we cannot afford to travel with an adequate number of volunteers-these are required in lifting the food supplements and counseling.
• We lack volunteers and need more volunteers, and in some cases we may need to facilitate these volunteers with a small allowance so that they are motivated.
• The original intention was to supplement the diet of Prisoners, but we have now discovered there prison officers who are also equally sick and are in need of supplements. It’s seemingly difficult for us to care for inmates when their jailors are also in need.

Recommendations
• "..The government should develop national guidelines for nutritional management intended to improve clinical care and outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS especially for those who are in Prison. Among our goals for this project is to see medical nutrition therapy become routine in primary HIV health management for people who are in Prison
• Particular attention should be given to the people in the Uganda Prisons living with HIV/AIDS (Both Prisoners and Staff), the government and Non-Government organization should significantly come out to help. A long standing solution to this need should be devised.
Conclusion:
Providing nutritional care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS is an important part of caring at all stages of the disease. Prisoners should not be left out; they are human beings before they became prisoners, so they need love care too.
APPEAL
We request government, Non-Government organizations individuals, to come out and help Wells of hope to reach out effectively and more significantly to the Prisoners who are living with HIV/AIDS. As wells of hope we are limited in many ways even as we deliver these food supplements, we need More supplies and we have no transport to deliver these food supplements, and facilitation for Volunteers.

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Through our visitations we have helped many in mates to turn their lives around, and many have gained hope to live on especially those on death row.
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Families of Prisoners visited
We have continued to minister to families of prisoners, we have managed to care as the Lord as enables us for the family of Mr. Kasirye whose on death row in Jinja Prison. We have done through visitation, discipleship and we have donated money to help the children, and donating foodstuffs, we would want to do more since we have many other families, but we are seeking help so that we help many children who are supposed to be in school but cannot due to lack of school fees.We hope to carry out programmes to help these children who are vulnerable so that they do not get caught up in the web of crime and also to protect them form catching HIV/AIDS.

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Prayer Meetings

We had a successful prayer meeting on the 22nd July 2006,Mrs Achieng Pamella agreed to help wells of hope reach out to the mentally sick in Butabika Hospital -Kampala.

The next prayer meeting will take place on the19th August 2006, Click here for the detailed Schedule.
” Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him”. Act 12:5 (ASV)

What’s next?
We shall be visiting the following prisons
• Luzira women Prison (With team from Canada)
• Murchison Bay Prison-Luzira
• Luzira Upper Prison (With Young Workers KPC)
• Kirinya Prison-Jinja (With Watoto Team from The US)
Masaka Prison

We shall be updating our website to indicate our outreaches.

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In the Press-No article
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Thank you
• We hereby thank Jim and Catherine Robinnete of Action Uganda who have helped us in reaching out to Prisoners living with AIDS. With their help we are able to donate a Soya, Sugar and Victoria fish (Mukene),

• We cannot forget, the Better Living resource center, with out their premises; it would be very difficult for us to conduct our monthly prayer meetings.

• Lastly we wish to thank all the volunteers, partners, friends who have helped in one way or another, in all that you have done you have reached out to a prisoners

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Do you want to make a difference?

“Wells Of Hope Ministries”, is an opportunity for each of us to reach out to people who have been rejected, people who are suffering such as families of Prisoners and we hope that God can use us to effect a regeneration in their lives. We need people who can volunteer, in many areas, which are not limited to going out with us, but also mobilizing financial and material support. We are asking God to bring more partners who will be committed to significantly giving financially to support Wells Of Hope. Finally pray with us so that we will see God use us change men and women’s hearts, as they turn to Jesus Christ and trust in Him.

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Editorial
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Arise the world is crying out, they need to see our Jesus in action. If we are going to impact a change in our society today we should be ready to head the call to remember the people who are suffering, we should arise and care and love the people in Prison. The world is looking out for the man who will reach out to them physically, and cry with them, rejoice with them. The man whose heart is full of the mercies of Jesus. Read More

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We wel come articles from you,send them to info@wellsofhope,org

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Muslim Lady gives her life to Jesus.
The climax of the February prayer meeting was the conversion of a Muslim woman to Christianity.
Having been touched by our visit and help to the family, Amina (The wife of the condemned prisoner’s whose family we visited during Christmas time) invited her mother from Mbale, which is about three hours drive from Kampala to tell her about the strangers now turned into friends who were able to identify with her in her distress and suffering. Read more

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Families of Prisoners visited
Hidden Treasure 2005.During Christmas time we help to ease the pain of a parent separated from children at Christmas time by visiting and caring for these children.Last christmas,December 2005 we were able to visit ten families,thank you for your support which made it possible.Find out more...

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2006 Monthly Prayer meetings start
Prayer Meeting:We will hold our monthly prayer meeting (for February) at the better living resource center on the 18th February 2006 .The time is 9.00am and we will end at 11.00am, please come and we bless this year activity/action plan as we remember people who are bound-to break chains and set them free.Click here for the detailed Schedule.

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HIV/AIDS- Volunteer training-
in conjuction with The Bible Society,we trained 50 volunteers who are set to address the HIV/AIDS issue amongst people affected by crimeIt took place at Namirembe resource Centre,Kampala from 14th-18th Nov ember 2005 .It was opened by the Director of Medical services, Uganda Prison services Dr.Alex Kokorach and closed by The secretary General of The bible Society of Uganda,Mr Henry Kalule.Read More

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Launching Wells of Hope Ministries-Prison Outreach’
Wells of Hope Ministries was launched with a concert, which served also as a launch of the freedom homes project, 2006 Action plan and fundraising for our outreaches,which took place on the 27th November 2005 at Full Gospel Church-Makerere.Hon Tim Lwanga, Minister of State for Ethics and integrity was the guest of Honour .Click Here for more .

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Testimonies
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Brain, an ex-prisoner gave us a testimony-He tells us his experience in prison and in the ministry. It is an opportunity for us to know how he met Jesus Christ having been in jail and the bush for ten years. His Testimony is so touching , and it leaves many people asking a lot of questions,it is inspiring..Click here for Testimony in Full

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Amina - God has cared for her while her husband is on death row

By the time Abdul was arrested, Amina was two months pregnant. This situation sent her into one of the biggest dilemmas in her life because at that material time she had two children, Shamim and Mustafa. And above all Abdul was the sole breadwinner; it was a big puzzle that she was set to address. She had no reliable source of income but the lord has kept her going on,.Click here for Testimony in Full

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Annabel-Mother of one boy,survives on even with a husband in Prison When she went to Mulago Hospital Annabel was diagnosed and it was found out that she had contracted Tuberculosis (T.B). Hardly two months had passed then, her new born baby passed away .As if that was not enough to make her depressed, two months later did trouble strike again , her husband was arrested for a crime he allegedly committed andthrown in prison.
Annabel became confused with a husband in Prison, the wound of losing a child not yet healed and a baby boy to look after. She did not have a source of income and the community where she lived rejected her.Click here for Testimony in Full

Wells of Hope Ministries was launched with a concert, which served also as a launch of the freedom homes project, 2006 Action plan and fundraising for our outreaches,which took place on the 27th November 2005 at Full Gospel Church-Makerere.Hon Tim Lwanga, Minister of State for Ethics and integrity was the guest of Honour .Click Here for more .

Training

HIV/AIDS- Volunteer training- in conjuction with The Bible Society,we trained 50 volunteers who are set to address the HIV/AIDS issue amongst people affected by crime.It took place at Namirembe resource Centre,Kampala from 14th-18th Nov ember 2005 .It was opened by the Director of Medical services, Uganda Prison services Dr.Kokorach and closed by The secretary General of The bible Society of Uganda,Mr Henry Kalule.Read More

Hidden Treasure 2005.During Christmas time we help to ease the pain of a parent separated from children at Christmas time by visiting and caring for these children.Last christmas,December 2005 we were able to visit ten families,thank you for your support which made it possible.Find out more...

Our Trip to Kitalya Prison

Recidivism is a term used to mean a situation where Ex-prisoners or offenders habitually relapse into crime.once they are released from prisons, even after they have spent a long time ,even10 years in prison, within a very short time they are re-arrested for a different crime. This what we were told by Henry the Deputy officer in Charge, as the main problem in Kitalya Prison along Mityana road, Kampala.60% of the prisoners come from rural areas and there are 313 inmates in this prison. Going by the number that attended the service, they are 65 inmates who attend church.

We had another opportunity to visit this prison on Sunday, the 23rd day of October 2005, the team included Francis Ssuubi, Eva Ellen Ssuubi, Sam Aloci Kokorom, Phyllis Namuwoya and Charles Ntanzi.This time we were blessed to have transport, Charles Ntanzi drove us in his car, we had to simply buy the fuel, Kitalya is about 57km away from Kampala.

Kitalya Prison is chiefly a government Prison farm where Prisoners are involved in farming, they till and scratch the land,it’s the biggest prison farm in Uganda. As you approach the prison you can see a big patch of land with gardens that stretch away from the prison all colored Green, possibly 4km wide and long. Just at the Prison, there are maize cribs and stores of produce. There are also tractors and sophisticated agricultural mechanization although most times they use local tools such as hoes, rakes and pangas,The crops that are grown mostly are Maize, beans and sweet potatoes.The harvest is used at the prison and the surplus is taken to other prisons.
We were really blessed because Sam one of the Volunteers is The Farm Manager; He holds a master degree in Agriculture.He also doubles as the Patron Pastor of Kitalya Pentecostal church,So he was able to lead us in the service and to give us information concerning the farming done here

The Church in Kitalya is called Kitalya Pentecostal church(KPC),The Service we had was conducted in a Pentecostal form with singing and praising God. We had testimonies and words of encouragment. We also had time to pray for the needs of the prisoners, individually, many of whom are either sick or have been abandoned by their family members who no longer visit them.
This Church is unique among all the prisons we have visited before because it serves as the church for the whole prison attended by both the prisoners and the prison officers including their families, infact we had about 36 children of the officers attending. I am asking God to find and train a volunteer who can lead the children’s church in Kitalya Pentecostal Church (KPC).
At the very end of the service we had nine men give their lives to Christ,it was such a joy. Lets pray that these men continue to walk in constant fellowship with the Lord Jesus.
Its also important to note that the officer in Charge of this prison is a man who has just given his life to the Lord, and he is a member of this church and in full support of the ministry.

Kitalya Prison was famously known for torture and mistreatment of in-mates, given that it’s a prison Farm, the in-mates would be subjected to hard labor for long hours and with harsh treatment with beatings but because of the prayers of many saints and the preaching of the word of God in this prison, the lord has changed this place and the prisoners no longer suffer so much as before.

We met another team from Build Again Prison Ministry and members from Victory Church Ndeeba led by Rachael Nantogo, and it was a blessing to minister with them at the same time. Racheal is an elderly lady, who has passion for prison ministry and we thank God we met her because we believe we will partner with her in the near future.

Thank you for your paryers, we had a safe journey back home and we were really blessed to be used by God, we also thank all the people who have given towards this ministry.

They came rushing;

They came rushing when the alter call was made before the sermon. Eleven men who had received the message could not wait even for the sermon; they came forth to give their life to Christ.
We were visiting Bugungu prisons-Jinja on the 25th September 2005. The volunteers included, Brain Magezi, Jennifer Nshemereirwe, Grace Senninde and Francis ssuubi.
Loaded with a ball donated by Richard a friend, soap also donated by a sister called Stella, our bibles and the word, testimony and the love of Jesus in us, we were blessed to be used by God to Minister to the in mates. We also preached the word of God to the officer in-charge who said he was thinking about salvation, we are praying that he will be inspired and moved by the Holy Spirit, to give his life to Jesus.
We had wonderful praise and worship songs and prayer with the in-mates, I know the angels in heaven participated.
So During the service, Jennifer and Grace gave an encouraging message, Brain gave a touching testimony, having been an ex-prisoner and ex-gorilla fighter in the NRA war, he has a testimony that can make tears flow down your cheeks. Francis Ssuubi gave a sermon that was all centered about God, the Judge who will grant us all Justice and who is a source of refugee. Great thanks goes to all the volunteers who sponsored their transport and time. We also thank you for your prayers and support.

Volunteer Training

We thank God for the Volunteer training which we have just concluded at Kampala Pentecostal Church, God saw us through, and at the end of the day we had to have an on the Job training which saw us visit Kamuli, bugungu, and kitalya prisons.
We failed to visit Bufulubi because; there was a transport problem for most of the volunteers.
Then on the 23rd July we had a meeting to wound up. It was a time for every volunteer to share hi/her experience, and I was really blessed.

Victoria Matovu said that the training had been an eye opener for her, challenging and she learnt a lot, especially to minister with the mercy of Jesus and not to be exploited. She said that, in this ministry, you do not merely go out because you feel like, but because she Jesus enables you She has also been doing a discipleship course, and she believe she can employ what she has learnt to minister to people affected by crime.

Lillian Tindyebwa said that it was a unique experience for her because she had never imagined how a prisoner is, but now she has a vivid picture. At times we take things for granted and when we lack a little we complain, yet we never know that there people like the prisoners who have almost nothing, so we need to appreciate .She has developed in her a strong desire to minister to people affected by crime, she says that it her duty to communicate to them about the love of Jesus, so that they know that Jesus is the Savior and Lord and they need to receive him for their redemption, they need to know, especially the prisoners, even though they are in prison, Jesus still loves them.
Sylvia Nabakiibi, thanked God for this opened door to minister, she said that she had tried to get involved in other ministries like the choir but she did not fit in so well, but she thanks God that the training has helped her to find her proper place where she can minister effectively and also to be used by the Lord.

Jennifer Nshemereirwe said that the training helped her to develop more compassion to minister to people in the prison.
She gave a testimony that during on the Job training visit, they ministered to the officer in Charge of the Prison who gave his life to Jesus, besides the six Prisoners who also got saved.

Stella Lubega, thanked God for the opening for her to minister, she had on a couple of times attempted to minister/visit prisoners on her own, but she failed and got disappointed, but the Lord has helped her and now she can minister freely.

We had others volunteers give really amazing testimonies these included Phyllis, Mary, Peter, Frederick, Vicent, Helen, and Grace.
We also had Brain Magezi (an ex-prisoner who gave his life in the Prison), He gave a thrilling testimony and possibly we will have to publish it one of these days.

During her on the Job training, Mary was approached by an in mate who requested her to tell brethren in Kampala Pentecostal Church to help and give him 50,000/= so that he can be released, so we had a talk of how to handle the matter, until it was resolved that we get in touch with the prison authorities and consult them how we can help. Brother Frederick Mugerwa offered the 50,000/=, which can be used to redeem the brother in prison. So now e are asking God to make a way so that we can pay this money, we need permission to travel to Kamuli and then transport to go there, then we will be able to deliver the help. So pray with us.
We thank you for your continual prayers and all the Help that enabled us to go through the training.

We have been in a recess, this month of August, we will resume next month (September), we ask you to pray for us, we will soon post a calendar of activities that we will be engaged in before the end of the year, however, they will include visits to at least six prisons, a fundraising concert on the 27th November 2005, and an outreach to 100 families of prisoners during Christmas as we take Christmas gifts to Prisoners children, God bless you.

The had bibles but they did not have clothes

On the 27th of February 2005 I had the opportunity of preaching together with others to men who were bare-chested, others had something close to shorts covering their loins. They sang with a lot of enthusiasm and great Joy in praise and worship of their creator God and later sat quietly just to listen to the good news of Jesus Christ their saviour, at the end of the day some of them who had no faith in the saving power of the Lord Jesus surrendered their lives and began trusting Jesus.

These are men that have been separated from society and now confirmed in one place, we needed no amplifier since the four walls surrounding them helped to increase and confirm the voices.
This was a great day for them since it is a day of rest, the other days are days of hard labor which entails scratching and turning up side down the ground, and with the long dry spell, it has been not been easy to work with hope that their toil and labor would yield fruits.
when we entered the big court yard in which they are enshrined there were loud enthusiats shouts with clapping of hands,as they welcomed us.They were too over joyed to receive us.It seems they take long with out receiving enormous visitors.

It is true, they are bibles in their hands, probably a Good Samaritan donated bibles to the prison, with the aim of equipping them with scriptures that are key to the day-to-day living and even for their eternal life.

This was at Bufulubi Central Prison, Mayuge district Uganda East Africa. It was my first time to visit this prison, and it was really touching to see these men worshipping God without clothes. We had a chat with the Deputy in charge of this Prison,and we inquired why these men did not have clothings,and he told us that they were waiting for supplies from the government for the last three years.So, we asked if we could look at where these men lay their ribs when it came to dust.I thank God I was able to hold my tears,because what we saw was unbelievable.Some of these men did have a blanket which was used for lying on and covering and most of them had papyrus mats.

Many times,I think God has forsaken me and I forget to appreciate what I have,yet there are many people like these brothers whose future lies uncertain go through immense suffering.I thanked God for the opportunity of ministering to these people.

Redeemed Cathedral Kirinya
It is Easter Sunday morning, not any different reminiscent of the ones we used to have when I was a small lad, possibly 10-11 years. So bright and a clear morning.
You can hear Alleluia, Alellua, shouts and songs of praise in the name of our Lord Jesus in the background.
After clearing at the Prison gate, I, my wife, Auntie Sophie the executive director of Prison fellowship, Jim and kappy, missionaries with Action Uganda as a team are allowed to enter the ward, a place where over 160 men clad in white others in n yellow garments have been confined to face the hangman.
Immediately we enter you can hear a big bang of huge gates being closed behind us.
We walk through the long corridor shaking hands of each of the inhabitants of this place who were standing on the sides of the corridor,
This a place you can never be sure of what is most likely to happen next, we are guided all through by one of the in-mates leaders and a prison officer.
There we go proclaimers of the gospel, we are later ushered in into another corridor, where blankets have been laid on the floor, and ahead there are chairs.
So now we know, the chairs form the pulpit and the blankets on the floor are the seats of the congregation.
Immediately we are welcomed, drumming begins and heavy clapping of the hands with songs praising God. You can sense a spirit of true praise and worship in the place.
The kind of praise and worship is infectious, why don’t we join in immediately?
So our Easter service starts.
I might forget to mention that on this day, the 27th March 2005,Jim lost his mother; he had received the phone call thirty minutes before we began the km Journey from Kampala to Kirinya Jinja Prison concerning the death of his mother. However, he was compelled by the power of the holy spirit to go ahead with the mission, he had to drive us in his Toyota Van he was the main preacher of the day, so he had to show up. I believe it was not an easy day, possibly for Jim and his wife a lot of thought could have been rumbling through and they were thinking of how to catch the next flight to Chicago to have the last glimpse of their dead mom’s body and also participate in the funeral. But they had to accomplish the mission. Good news is that while she was alive, Jim’s mum came to know Jesus Christ passionately as Lord and saviour, and she did walk faithful in a warm friendship with Him.
In His introductory remarks, Jerry (not real name0the Lead pastor of the in-mates mentioned to us that God had showed them that they were not condemned prisoners but that they were redeemed of the Lord.
And various speakers who followed kept referring to the fellowship as a redeemed fellowship and the in mates as the redeemed. Others called it a cathedral and at the end of the day we had to baptize the church and now it is called REDEEMED CATHEDRAL KIRINYA.
Let me mention about a friend I met at the REDEEMED CATHEDRAL KIRINYA.he was is a middle aged man called Kapere John Bosco, also on death row.
John was short in his right eye and his right arm was shattered around the wrist regions and as we speak now he his right hand stops at the wrist. As if that is not enough, the ulna and radius bones can almost be seen popping out; it is a growing reddish skin that is covering them, why? We did not ask him about his entire ordeal but briefly he mentioned to us that while he was being arrested he was shot at and they thought he had actually died, so during the time of his trial, almost no attention was given to his hand and for the last two years he has been nursing his hand, he Is grateful to Doctor Jesus who has managed to heal his had at least now he his better compared to then. How has John managed? Remarkable about this man is his strong unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus, he is full of life, zestful and he has hope. So when I mentioned to him about the possibility of owning an artificial hand, he answered” Of course when I am released and I am out there I will get one,” I cut him short and to pray with us so that we can lobby for one he can use even when he is inside there. What an inspiration John is, even in his condition, he believes one day he will be free.
“And Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3; 14-15

What then should we think and say? Our utmost need is to know Jesus Christ Passionately, whether we are behind bars or nor, whether we have what we need in abundance or not, what matters most is to have Jesus.
On the same visit we were able to launch Project Philip, the Bible League devised bible study plan. We gave the Prisoners study portions entitled Step to Victory, which are essentially fop Evangelism. It is the first Bible Study Project in this Prison, so pray that it encourages many and brings many to their full passionate relationship with Jesus.
Possibly at the end of the Month they will be able to graduate and move on to the second level, which is for discipleship using Bearing Fruit Bible Study Portion. The bible league has sponsored this programme in the prisons. At the end of the first level, we will issue the in-mates who will have accomplished a certificate and a free new testament Bible .

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