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Dear Friends,
Justice for the poor
As we reflect on the last year in Uganda it is the condemning words of the prophet Amos that keep on coming back to us: “you deprive the poor of
justice in the courts” (Amos 5: 12b). It seems that the prophet’s words could speak directly into 21st century Uganda where 95 per cent of the
population don’t have sufficient funds to hire a lawyer. In the area of criminal law, it is the poor languishing in prison waiting for their trials.
What’s more, it often feels that the system put in place by the state to help them does more to hinder their plight.
Against this background we’re delighted to report that UCLF’s Criminal Public Defence programme appears to be having a significant impact. In our last
postal prayer letter we said that we were just beginning to receive opportunities to represent clients. Since the project began, a little over six
months ago, we have taken instructions from just over 160 clients to act for them in their criminal matter. To date more than 60 of these cases have
been completed with clients either being convicted and sentenced to a defined term or acquitted and released. In either case, justice is being done
for people who until now have been indefinitely incarcerated with fading hope of a trial.
What is even more encouraging is that we have built excellent relationships with the officials at the two High Courts in Kampala, as well as the Chief
Magistrates based in and around Kampala. Despite initial reservations (it seems through a desire for us not to take income from the state brief
lawyers) we are now working in very close partnership with them. As a result of our intervention, the courts are hearing more cases than would
otherwise have been possible because our members act in a truly pro bono capacity, waiving the state brief fee. This is an example of the body of
Christ standing in the gap for those who are not able to speak for themselves; ensuring justice is not deprived from the poor because the government
does not provide enough funding. There are still challenges (we’re still working on encouraging more volunteer lawyers), but we are so encouraged by
how we have seen this programme develop and already UCLF is beginning to consider how it might be expanded geographically once the initial one year
term expires.
Kiswa Baptist Church
We are feeling increasingly part of the community at Kiswa BC and we have seen relationships develop with some key individuals. Matthew is continuing
to enjoy his mentoring relationship with Rogers, but would value your prayers as he seeks the best way to support Rogers and the youth ministry more
generally. We are keen to ensure we have good family time together at the weekend and this often means Matthew is unable to commit to being at youth
meetings – he is trying to encourage from the wings, whilst rapidly trying to understand the “norm” for youth work in this country! Until recently,
Anna has been meeting up with a mum, but this lady has now left her “husband” and the church too, so Anna has been asked to be involved (at the
invitation of the husband) in trying to mediate in that situation. Please pray for Anna in this culturally sensitive area and that the family (they
have a daughter, Praise, who is Barnabas’ age) would be reconciled.
Moving Home
It was a bit of shock last month when our landlord decided to raise the rent for our apartment by $100 per month. Whilst BMS was willing to pay the
increased sum we felt uncomfortable with the level our rent would have then been at, so decided to look around for a new place. We praise God for his
faithfulness in providing a new apartment which is larger (three bedrooms so Barney has his own bedroom even when we have guests) and at significantly
less rent than we were paying, even before the increase.
We very much enjoyed living in our old apartment and were sad to leave. In particular, it is sad to leave the relationships we had built with Mike
and Sylvia (Mike looked after the compound and Sylvia cleaned for us) and Anna had built with the wives of our Arab neighbours. Anna was particularly
touched by the Muslim ladies’ farewell – they each baked delicious treats for us and visited her on our last day in the flat. Both Mike and Sylvia
and the neighbours would like to stay in touch (and even visit our new place) so we would appreciate your prayers as we try to continue these
relationships on some level.
However, we are also excited about the opportunities our new home will bring. The new apartment is significantly closer to the offices of UCLF and the
Baptist Union so that will make Matthew’s commute very easy, along with general access to the town centre. It is a ten-minute drive away from the last
flat and,
once again, it is an apartment (one of six) located in a secure compound. However, it is in a much more ‘Ugandan’ part of Kampala than the
previous place where we were surrounded mainly by other ex-pats. Now as we walk out of the compound, Barney starts to imitate the goats and chickens
he sees and there are plenty of people out on the street cooking, welding, selling and sitting. Children quickly gather to point at the ‘mazungu’
(white) baby and seem thrilled when he gives them his friendly little wave! It is a fun neighbourhood to be entering. It seems that most of our
neighbours within the new apartment block will be Asian which will also be interesting. So please pray, as we seek to develop relationships with our
direct neighbours and also those in the wider community. Anna, in particular, would appreciate your prayers for this as she (and Barney who is a huge
help) start out trying to get to know people. Now we are here she is excited about the prospect, having been very sad about leaving the little
community we have moved away from.
For those who would like to pray
Give thanks
- Success of the criminal public defence programme
- Relationships built with court officials
- Fellowship at Kiswa Baptist Church
- Provision of a new home for us as a family
Please pray
- More UCLF members to come forward as volunteers to act pro bono in criminal matters
- Reconciliation between Anna’s mum friend and her ‘husband’
- Maintaining relationships with those who live near our old apartment
- Building relationships with our new neighbours
With our love and thanks for your continued support and partnership,
Matthew, Anna and Barnabas
Email: matthewandanna@yahoo.co.uk
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