Ten years ago Uganda had one of the worst rates of HIV and AIDS infection in the world. Now it is in the unique position of seeing the prevalence rate decreasing as a result of open communication, education, the use of medication such as ARVs, and the promotion of abstinence from sexual encounters outside of marriage. Despite falling infection rates, whole communities have been decimated by the pandemic.

Judith Kiwanuka works at YWAM Hope Land, in Jinja, Uganda, and runs a ministry called ‘Women of Hope’ that provides a support to women within the local community, which itself has been terribly affected by AIDS.

Two years ago Judith began to intentionally build relationships with her neighbours in the local village. Soon a group of up to 75 women were meeting weekly for friendship, cups of tea, prayer and bible study. As the women grew to trust one another they began to open up and discuss deep issues. It quickly became apparent that at least half the group were HIV positive. Many were widows whose husbands had died of AIDS, some were very sick themselves.

Many of the women had been cut off from their extended families due to their sickness. Some had lost their whole family and were destitute, unable to support themselves. Judith’s group called themselves ‘Women of Hope’ certain that their calling was to offer hope to women who had lost everything.

A second weekly group was started for the HIVpositive women, to provide a support network. In this environment they could talk, pray, give and receive counsel. Judith planted a large vegetable garden to offer food to those unable to provide for themselves. She is hopeful that in the future small community development projects can be started with the women so they are able to provide for themselves.

Judith comments: “When I go to their houses it’s very painful to see how they live. Some have leaking roofs, little space, and no way of supporting themselves.”Many of the widows are unable to send their children to school. Twenty of these children have been given free schooling at the Hope Land preschool. Judith hopes to see these children continue their education beyond preschool. As Women of Hope has gained in numbers and influence other opportunities have opened up in the village. Health promotion outreaches have been welcomed. Groups of local men have begun to ask for YWAM to provide them with a similar support group.

Hope Land leaders affirm Judith’s ministry, recognising that it is central to the very vision of the base to bring healing and hope to the community around it. Judith appears to have stumbled across a simple but effective method of supporting the local women. Building a safe environment where they can support each other enables the taboos surrounding AIDS to be broken. Women find hope as they find friendship, support and love.

To contact Judith Kiwanuka please email: thekiwanuka2001@yahoo.com