Transformation among the Ik
In the photo, from right to left is Amos Epau (a teacher), Dan Ezama (a Nurse), Bosco Ocan (social worker) and James Nahate (Administrator). These are the four young missionaries who have been sent by Global Link Afrika to serve in a HARD TO REACH place; IK community in Timu sub-county, Kaabong District, North Eastern Part of Uganda. The IK community is the smallest
ethnic group in Uganda, they are highly marginalized due to their location (the horn of the Uganda). They are a bit unique and live a different lifestyle from real Karamojongs.
Addressing Key Needs
Although there are many needs in this community, the GLA team has identified four priority areas to focus their efforts: education, health, community development, and gospel transformation. These initiatives aim to uplift the Ik people and create lasting change.
1. Transforming Education
The Ik community has long struggled with access to quality education. With only two primary schools in the area, and both ending at Primary Four, many children would finish their education prematurely. Recognizing this need, GLA has taken significant steps to change the narrative.
The missionaries have partnered with Timu Primary School, which now has an enrollment of 764 students. In 2023, GLA introduced a Primary Five class, and the dream is to have the school offer up to Primary Seven by 2025—a milestone that will be a first in Timu’s history.
However, challenges remain. Classrooms for upper primary students are non-existent, and temporary structures are urgently needed. GLA is working to mobilize 100 iron sheets for roofing and has tasked the local community with providing poles for construction. The cost of each sheet is UGX 50,000, and the total budget for this project is UGX 5,000,000.
Additionally, some classes, such as Primary One B, are held under trees, leaving students vulnerable to weather disruptions. Temporary shelters are essential to ensure uninterrupted learning.
2. Improving Healthcare
Healthcare in Timu Sub-county is scarce, with only one Health Center II located far from many households. Residents in remote areas like Tul-Tul Parish must walk 11 kilometers and climb hills to access medical services.
GLA missionaries have stepped in to bridge this gap. Using a motorbike as an ambulance, they transport patients in emergencies to the health facilities and sometimes when referred, they ride to Either Kamion Health Center III or Kaabong Referral Hospital. However, maintaining this service is costly, with monthly expenses for fuel and servicing amounting to UGX 160,000.
The team’s professional nurse also provides valuable community health education, covering topics such as hygiene, malaria prevention, and clean water practices. During a 2023 medical camp, the nurse treated schoolchildren using a basic first aid kit provided by GLA.
03. Spreading the Gospel
Spiritual transformation is at the core of GLA’s mission. The team conducts Bible studies with local churches that is Kapalu PAG church and Tul-tul Anglican, door-to-door evangelism, and discipleship programs for youth and children at Tul-tul, Kapalu, compassion Children Timu and Kaabong Archdeaconry compassion Children in Kaabong town.
Morning devotions at Timu Primary School inspire both students and staff, while guidance and counseling sessions support teenagers in navigating life’s challenges. Through the Compassion project, GLA is discipling 30 children and leading Bible studies for 230 others. The impact is clear: these efforts are sowing seeds of faith that will shape the community for generations.
04. Encouraging Community Development
The missionaries lead by example, practicing agriculture to inspire the Ik people to embrace farming as a path to self-sufficiency. Since 2021, their efforts have motivated the community to engage in agriculture, and by 2023, noticeable improvements were evident.
A Vision for Holistic Transformation
GLA’s work among the Ik people is not merely about addressing immediate needs. It is a journey of holistic transformation, touching both the spiritual and physical aspects of life. The missionaries believe that by nurturing the younger generation, the Timu Sub-county will be a different place a decade from now.
Through dedication and collaboration, GLA and the Ik people are proving that even in the remotest corners of Uganda, change is possible.