Mbiko, Uganda

Location: Mbiko, Uganda

Date: 2022-2024

Project type: Aquaculture Farm Installation, Shade Structure, Solar Planning & Installation

Partners: Rock of Ages Primary School

Project Cost: $80,000 initially + ~$10,000 after build + Solar $35,000

Size and capacity

• 45’ x 30’: Steel structure footprint

• 16,000 gallons: Recirculating water tanks

• 8/2000 gallon: Plastic fish tanks

• 6030 gallon: Filtration System

Uganda statistics

• U.S.Dept.of State: Tier 2

• Population: 41,734,259

• Victimization: Labor and Sexual Trafficking/Exploitation, Child soldiers kidnapping/recruitment

Details

Uganda is a special place, with beautiful villages along the shores of Lake Victoria. Unfortunately, these villages depend on fishing in commercially overfished and polluted waters. Their crops rely on rain that doesn’t always come. People have little to no access to electricity and no control over the food sources that are vital to their communities. Amidst all of Uganda’s beauty, there is a constant desperation for food and hope. The country is home to 2.5 million orphans.

Mbiko is a village known for prostitution and poverty. Many children in the town are a byproduct of the sex trade industry. It’s not uncommon for them to be abandoned by their biological parent(s) and live in slums with extended relatives, housing multiple children in 4'x6' spaces. And if that isn’t enough, Mbiko sits on a major trucking route through Uganda. Because of this, kids often fear abduction for child sacrifice, as witchcraft remains prevalent in the nearby villages.

We’re honored to work with Hands4Uganda and the Wasswas to develop this Aquaponic Farm at the Rock of Ages School and serve the precious children of Mbiko.

Mbiko, Uganda is home to our first solar-powered farm. With eight 2,000-gallon tanks, a massive filtration system, a generator, and an incredible on-site team, this project stands as a major milestone. The enthusiasm and gratitude the kiddos at Rock of Ages School show our team make it easy to see the transformative potential for the local community.

Thank you to all who make this amazing work possible. This farm benefits the lives of over 350 children from the surrounding slums of Mbiko. As we forge ahead, this project stands as an example of the profound difference we can make when we come together with purpose and passion.