During my June trip, I worked with Mercy Uganda to develop the business documents required by the Ugandan government to obtain NGO (nonprofit) status. Having NGO status in Uganda means a very high level of accountability, demanding business planning, and certain tax benefits. Why these same standards are not imposed on traditional businesses, I have no idea.Today (Saturday, September 18) Henry surprised us all by taking us to the new office space – a requirement to obtain the official status – for a ribbon cutting ceremony. During this ceremony, he announced the successful receipt of that NGO status as a surprise to Laura. The most we’d heard was that it was so difficult to obtain the status and that several obstacles were preventing success.
The little 8’ x 10’ office space is located in Kajjansi at the bridge on the way to Henry’s house. The upstairs window faces the road where commerce abounds – chapatti and shoes can be purchased on the lower level of the same office building should the need arise. The office was painted in a light grey with white and charcoal accents on the ceiling. Alice, Henry’s wife, made curtains for the big storefront window. Office furniture filled the room of this $30 per month space. We gasp at the thought of such a low rate yet that $30 figure represents a month’s wages for a majority of the population in the area.Dr. Dave – a surgeon and big Mercy Uganda supporter – cut the ribbon with Laura. After some very Henry-like speeches, each person present signed the guest book as the first group to contribute to the organization’s success. I’m so thankful to have been a part of achieving this goal with Mercy Uganda.
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