The law

A reminder of what we accomplished so far: Thanks to your support, BTSI completed research on acid violence across Uganda, hosted a large three-day event in April, and are now in the process of following up with certain offices who can help us bring the bill before Parliament. In September, BTSI presented a packet (draft bill, memorandum, report) to three ministries of government and several other stakeholders. RISE and BTSI now have to wait on the Ugandan government to act on what we have presented them with.  However, as we wait, it will be important for us to keep our proposed legislation at the forefront of their minds.  As Arnold Agaba, the lead legal advisor on this project, said, "Like in many parts around the world, government offices are often overwhelmed with work.  I imagine there are thousands of proposed legislations in the pipeline- and everyone of them is important/a priority for the country... Physical visits by BTSI are the most ideal way to keep pressure and interest high. ⁠Aside from the follow ups, presence on media, petitioning MPs and ministers, interfaces with the manufacturers and collaborative relationships with other NGOs interested in the subject are all helpful."  Daniel and Julie are planning to make another round of visits to these offices soon.  We will keep you updated!

Faith

Faith and Sarah are doing well! Sarah‘s legs are continuing to improve. Faith has a difficult life given she is a single mother of five children and relies on farming for her income. However, the changes that you’ve helped bring in her life have been amazing and the support has meant the world to her. We are hoping that Julie can continue working with her to train her in different craft skills so that this can be an ongoing source of income for Faith. 

Joel

Joel is scheduled for surgery in January. He and his dad, Francis, have had to make a few trips to Kampala for consultations. Twice they were expecting for surgery to happen that day and then doctor told them to come back. This has been pretty frustrating, but one of the things that we deal with in government hospitals in Uganda. We are very grateful to the support that you’ve given Joel. He has continued to take steroid injections and apply creams that are helping reduce his scars to prepare him for surgery. None of this would have been possible without your support!

Crafts

Finally, we hope that you watched the video of Julie made by her husband, Herman. The sale of her crafts to RISE has made a huge difference in her life and her confidence, and we hope that you continue purchasing her products and the products of other survivors. We are so grateful that you have continued to help our fellow survivors live 'beyond the scars.'