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Many factors make Christian evangelism difficult in Uganda. Muslims are making a concerted effort to
maintain their influence in the country by increasing their aggressive education programs and promising job
opportunities.

The number of refugees and orphans continue to rise, as do the levels of poverty and suffering among the
population. Uganda has one of the highest per capita AIDS rates in the world. In addition, the threat of cult
groups is increasing.

It is against this discouraging backdrop that the Lutheran Media Ministry_Uganda (LMMU) ministry center, established in 1996, has begun its Gospel outreach efforts.

Until 1995 there was only one television station in the entire nation, and it was owned and operated by the
national government. Three other privately owned stations have recently opened, and more broadcast time is now available.

As a result, the national station now broadcasts episodes of "This is the Life" each week. This has helped
the young Lutheran Church in Uganda to become well known, far beyond what its size would normally
warrant. The response from viewers has been outstanding.

The LMMU office has organized and sponsored seasonal Gospel music productions performed by the
Lutheran Mission Choir and broadcast on the national television station. The choir is used as a witness team, making trips to village stations with traditional Gospel music, targeting mainly illiterate members of
communities. A drama group has also been formed and is developing into a strong witnessing group for evangelism outreach.

The LMMU has established four growing Bible correspondence courses. The course graduated 1,175 students in its first two years. There are now more than 3,000 people enrolled. An average of 202 responses is generated monthly by the outreach activities since the office was opened. Bibles, brochures and other literature are distributed to these respondents.

Uganda is a republic located in East Africa. It covers a little more than 93,000 square miles, making it a little smaller than Oregon.

The land is remarkably diverse, ranging from swamps and vast forests to
snow-capped mountain peaks. Lake Victoria, the world's second largest fresh water lake, is located in Uganda.

Uganda's most important natural resource is its rich soil, which provides the basis for the country's predominantly agricultural economy.

Although English is the official language, there are about 45 different languages spoken by Ugandans. While Luganda is the most common local language, Swahili is spoken by many.

Uganda gained its independence from Britain in 1962. Efforts to balance the political power between
competing factions ended in failure in 1967. Civil war and anarchy prevailed until 1971 when Idi Amin seized power and ruled as absolute dictator. During his reign, Christians were persecuted and the Islamic faith was promoted.

Given the political instability of the country, it is difficult to know the exact population of Uganda.

In addition, the long-term effects of a widespread AIDS epidemic have greatly affected the population. The
most reasonable estimate puts the population at more than 20 million people. There are 55 ethnic groups
in Uganda, which are divided into four major divisions: Bantu (65 percent of the population); Nilotics
(28 percent); Sudanic (five percent); and approximately two percent classified as "other."

Almost all of Uganda's people claim to be Christians. However, Christianity is suffering from nominalism, with active participation in Christian church worship regularly less than one-fourth the number claimed. This threat to Christian churches in Uganda is alarming.

Idi Amin's regime aggressively turned people to the Islamic faith. Many Ugandans continue to convert to Islam, including those who belong to Christian denominations. A large number of young school dropouts are being recruited by Muslim fundamentalists, to fight the government with the aim of toppling it and establishing Uganda as a Muslim nation.

Most rural churches are suffering from total neglect and malnutrition of the Good News of Christ. Thanks to pioneering missionaries from Ghana, Lutheranism was recently introduced in Uganda.

Pray, praise and give thanks for God's blessing on this ministry and that it may continue to strengthen and
expand, reaching more Ugandans.

Help seize the opportunity by bringing the Word of God to this area where there is a Muslim resurgence.
Become a sponsor of Lutheran Hour Ministries or increase the level of your support so the people of
Uganda may come to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Help others experience the joy of bringing the people of Uganda to Christ by sharing the Lutheran Hour Ministries story with your church group or congregation.

Call the International Ministries department at 1-800-944-3450 for details.