One of the most devastating aspects of HIV/AIDS in Mukono is the orphaning of children. The Nakisunga Orphan Support Project (NOSP) aims to provide income-generating opportunities for orphans and their caregivers by way of supporting micro projects for sustained economic development.

NOSP was initiated in 2002 as a pilot project targeting 75 households / caregivers and now covers 484 households in Nakisunga sub-county in Mukono district in Uganda. The microfinance scheme was initiated through Kyetume CBHC Programme’s orphan support groups to work towards food security and sustainable poverty reduction for orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in Nakisunga sub-county.

Kyetume CBHC supports eight orphan support groups in the eight parishes of Nakisunga sub-county. Upon receiving a grant from the Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH), three of the eight parishes were selected to initiate microfinance schemes in August 2005. These were Kyabalogo, Kyetume and Namuyenje.

The loans provided to the orphan support groups go toward income generating investments that will help provide food security, housing, toilets, clothing, school supplies, and medical care for the children.

We have provided over 65 heifers and over 300 goats to caregivers of OVCs throughout Mukono. Microfinance initiatives allow us to expand the existing and create other income generating opportunities such as vegetable and livestock co-ops for these burdened individuals. The waste from the livestock is used as manure to support organic farming as well as brick laying and poultry keeping. We also provide vocational training involving tailoring and computer skills for the OVCs.