MAF has operated in Uganda since 1986 and works in partnership with national church groups, mission groups, development and relief agencies and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs). We currently have five aircraft and 67 dedicated personnel serving over 200 organisations with travel, logistical and technical needs.
Fact File: Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country, located in East Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania, and it includes a significant portion of Lake Victoria. Despite making enormous progress in reducing poverty right across the country, Uganda relies heavily on the support of foreign aid.
Along with the needs of the people in Uganda itself, the country currently plays host to more than a million refugees from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in many people in desperate need.
MAF planes provide timely transport to aid workers who are able to provide assistance to those in need. We also support ministry to local and displaced persons in South Sudan and East DRC.
Stories
A better start for mums and babies
MAF is helping to reduce maternal deaths in Soroti, Eastern Uganda, by flying midwives from International Midwives Assistance (IMA) to educate local families on safe childbirth. Many women in Katine village rely on traditional birth attendants (TBAs), leading to high mortality rates due to haemorrhage and pre-eclampsia. “Mission Aviation Fellowship has been a huge blessing to us,” said Jennifer Braun, IMA’s Executive Director. A MAF flight takes just 40 minutes, compared to a five-hour road journey. Uganda’s maternal mortality rate is 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, with Teso, where Soroti is located, reporting 63 maternal deaths in 2023.
IMA is working to change this by holding community conferences on safe births. “We meet with families and discuss what kills women in pregnancy and childbirth,” Jennifer explained. Many women give birth at home due to financial barriers and poor road conditions. “By the time they reach a health centre, they have lost too much blood,” she added. Women like Naume Agwero now see the risks: “Too much bleeding, but nobody can take care of it, and there is death.” To help, IMA is building a clinic and running a vehicle to transport mothers to safe delivery facilities.
Geoffrey hopes to use his two hands again
Young Geoffrey Rwotomiya’s wrist injury years ago led to compartment syndrome, a painful condition caused by pressure buildup in the muscles. At first, his family thought it was a fracture, but later learned it was a dislocation. As the swelling worsened, they sought help from a herbalist in Adjumani, who treated him with traditional medicine. While the swelling subsided, the treatment left his hand stiff and nearly paralysed. “But now after this operation, the pain is getting back—he can even stretch his hand,” said his mother, Grace Adong.
Thanks to MAF flights, a team from Ohana One and Pipeline Worldwide brought life-changing surgeries to northern Uganda. Geoffrey and his family, who had been staying in a cramped hospital room, were hopeful the specialists could restore his hand. After surgery, Geoffrey said, “I will be very happy to use my two hands again.” His mother shared her gratitude: “I’m very happy because my son was using one hand, but I will be really happy if he starts to use the two hands again.” The MAF flight was crucial, cutting down the arduous 10-hour journey to Gulu. Doctors remain optimistic, with Geoffrey scheduled for further surgeries to improve his hand’s functionality. “The impact goes beyond the now,” said Dr Derrick Mukurasi. “It’s generations to come.”
Bringing Hope to Uganda’s Refugees
MAF partners with organisations like the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) to deliver aid to remote refugee settlements like Palorinya. Rose Puru, who fled South Sudan in 2018, recalls, “We came here because of the war. People were fighting, killing each other. That’s why we ran.” Now 24, she dreams of finishing school but has no means to continue. “But from here, there is no way to get money,” she says. Uganda hosts over 1.7 million refugees, and MAF helps aid workers reach those in need, bypassing long, difficult road journeys.
Many refugees, like Tut Thuok, a father of nine, struggle with food shortages and uncertainty. “The food we receive has been reduced, and my wife just had another baby, one week ago. It’s hard to see a future like this,” he says. Despite the hardships, he remains hopeful for his family’s future. LWF and other partners work to provide essential services, but resources are dwindling. “At MAF Uganda, we serve the people who serve refugees,” says Country Director Ruth Jack. As long as refugees like Rose and Tut dream of a better life, MAF will continue to support those working to help them.
