We are the funding partners of KIDA (Kitojo Integrated Development Association), a Ugandan-run non-governmental organization.  KIDA fights HIV/AIDS and poverty in the rural communities of the Ruteete Subcounty of the Kabarole District in Western Uganda. We fully support KIDA's mission, which is to "enable vulnerable individuals and communities to take care of their own lives".

 

The Friends of Ruwenzori Foundation raises funds to financially support KIDA’s annual operating budget. We occasionally send short-term mission teams to participate in KIDA's effective programs. We are all volunteers and fund our own trips to Uganda.  To schedule an educational slide presentation or to join a mission team, contact our founder Karen Gleason at < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it >.

 

Our inspiration comes from the people in Uganda who are bravely fighting the AIDS epidemic with very limited financial resources but with deep faith in God as their helper, hope in the future and genuine love for the people in this poor rural community.  We greatly admire KIDA’s director, Rev. Ezra Musobozi and his wife Marjorie, who together provide the vision and effectively mobilize people into compassionate service.

We named our organization after the beautiful mountain range that towers over this area: the Ruwenzori mountains. “Ruwenzori” is a distortion of a Ritooro word that means “rainmaker”. The mountains are so named because the tallest peaks are almost perpetually covered with clouds.  The faithful people who live and farm the land here believe that the rain brings the blessings of God.

“He covers the heavens with clouds, he prepares rain for the earth, he makes grass grow upon the hills.” Psalm 147:8

“May the mountains yield prosperity for the people.”  Psalm 72:3

 

 

"Friends" 2007 mission team with Rev. Ezra Musobozi