African Art charity exhibition: Save art for Uganda in Wangen!

African Art charity exhibition: Save art for Uganda in Wangen!

A charity exhibition for the benefit of the “awamu – together for Uganda” association will be presented in the Wangen city library from June 3rd to 28th, 2025. Under the title “African Art” the collages of the artist Elfriede Bertsch are exhibited, who wants to draw attention to the challenges in Uganda with her works. The exhibition opens its doors during the city library's regular opening hours, which are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The “awamu” association is committed to Uganda, a country that is confronted with a variety of political and climatic challenges. According to information from Schwäbische.de, Uganda has around 47 million inhabitants and is facing considerable pressure due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the after-effects of the corona pandemic. In particular, increased food prices combined with drought and heavy rain are having an increasingly negative impact on the living conditions of the population. Uganda also has over 1.5 million refugees, further complicating the socio-economic situation.

Current projects and general meeting

At the association's last general meeting in the Protestant community center, 40 of 239 members took part. Claudia and Wolfgang Riedel will in future take over the management of projects that were previously supervised by Josef Rauch. A successor for the late chairwoman Margret Riese has not yet been determined. Some of the association's achievements in recent years include the construction of 13 new wells and six water cisterns, as well as repairs to additional wells in 2022.

The association also shows a creative commitment, with Martin Schnitzer initiating a water can campaign for families in need. An important aspect of support is the distribution of 215 solar lamp kits to facilitate access to energy. Furthermore, land was purchased for a school in Buyambi and school sponsorships were set up for 30 children.

Financial situation and outlook

The financial situation of the population in Uganda has recently worsened and everything has become more expensive. The association has reserves of 6,400 euros at the end of 2022, which are necessary to ensure school fees and teacher salaries for a period of three years. One of the largest expenses was the installation of a solar system in Nakiyaga, which cost almost 32,000 euros.

In order to improve the donation situation, Advent arrangements and door wreaths are also sold, and orders can be placed until November 15th. In addition, the association will take part in an ecumenical service at the State Horticultural Show in 2024 and will continue to promote projects such as renovations and new buildings in Buyambi as well as purchases for a maternity ward in Bukomansibi.

The charity exhibition is not only an opportunity to collect financial resources, but it also promotes awareness of the vital projects of the association “awamu – together for Uganda”. Those interested can find further information about the exhibition on the website of the city of Wangen as well as about awamu's activities Schwäbische.de.