Challenges

Aringa county (which is now Yumbe district) is one of the poorest districts in Uganda. Most of the residents live on subsistence agriculture. Tear Fund UK found that Yumbe was the eighth poorest district in Uganda in May 2007.

The causes of the poverty in Yumbe district are several:

1. The rebel activities that continued from the 1980's to 1998 have left effects on the people from which they have not recovered. Many people lost their properties during that time and have not recovered them.
   
2. The local subsistence agriculture that relies entirely on handheld hoes produces very little.
   
3. Most of Here is Life's staff are volunteers. Those who are paid often do not receive enough to support themselves. For example, the staff at Kei Health Center are funded by fees from patients and an annual governmental contribution. However, the patients often do not pay the full fees, and the health center receives only one third of the approved amount from the government - with no reasons given.