You may have heard news reports mid-January about elections in Uganda. The current president was declared the winner and installed for his 7th term, a reign that has lasted almost 40 years to date. The election opposition was led by a much younger man - a popular musician - who was backed by large numbers of young people across the country.

The declared outcome of the election was not accepted by many people. The opposition leader went into hiding, people protested on the streets and the military responded. 20-30 young demonstrators were shot, 2000 were imprisoned and the opposition leader's house was under siege.

This is the context for a message from Director Geoffrey Kyeyune at the end of January:

Dear Doug,
We have just concluded the general elections in the country, which was hectic and challenging. Many young people have been killed and some imprisoned. Sometimes we hiding in our houses.

Dear Doug,
Many young people have been arrested and remanded in prison. Have not heard from some staff but for me am safe. The only problem we facing is that between December and January food was scarce and what we purchased with the funds you sent (in December) was finished. Please pray for us.

The situation has not changed much after the election. So far half of the students have returned.

As these photos sent on February 27th by Principal Suzan Nabirye show, this continues to happen for those who have returned. They also show something of what it means when we are told that some of the funds we send are spent on 'training materials'.

You are invited to continue your prayer support and giving through 2026.

Two Concerts Coming: Choose Your Date
(Note: these concerts are earlier than in previous years.)

Gilbert and Sullivan lived in a period when the elite believed that art existed for its beauty alone. It served no other societal purpose. Patience pokes fun at this fatuous fad, showcasing Gilbert's witty satirical lyrics and Sullivan's musical melodies. This costumed concert version, explained by a narrator, features rapturous maidens, handsome moody poets, a platoon of enthusiastic British Dragoon Guards, and Patience, the local milkmaid, whose part is much more than a drop in the bucket!

The plot is peppered with ridiculousness such as Patience refusing two suitors; one offering himself as a raffle prize; Patience agreeing to marry him because she detests him, but wishes to act unselfishly; a show down between the rival poets which involves cutting hair; and ... well you will just have to come along if you have any hope of understanding the resolution of this plot!

May 2026

Singularity's April 26th performance of Patience was simply wonderful. Lots of people from the host congregation, St. Margaret's Uniting Church, and beyond. From the first notes to the last, all were captured by the music, costumes and comedy. Everyone left with smiles on their faces - after consuming an enticing afternoon tea.

Thanks to all for your prayers and practical support. The afternoon raised $1200 for RYDA. A truly amazing total.

May 31st Concert Singularity's repeat performance is in Cowes, Phillip Island, on Sunday May 31st. An afternoon of music, madness, colour and comedy awaits you. Mark it on your calendar now. Everyone welcome. A big thank you to the team of local organisers and to St. John's for providing the venue. If you don't live near Phillip Island you could make this fun afternoon the focus of day or weekend visit. Funds Transferred to RYDA On May 5th St. Margaret's treasurer transferred $3,787.50 (US2,578.53) to RYDA's account in Kampala. In addition to the Mooroolbark concert result, this included Christmas Certificate funds that missed the previous transfer in early December and so many large and small and regular donations from so many people. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this remarkable total and all who continue to pray for the on-going success of RYDA's work with orphaned and disadvantaged teenagers. On receipt, Director Geoffrey Steven Kyeyune wrote: I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all those have supported to raise these funds to support the RYDA activities for all these years. (Editor's Note: In March, it was 30 years since St. Margaret's was introduced to Geoffrey and RYDA.)

RYDA Update

• National elections held in January resulted in civil unrest which caused a late start to learning. Studies did not fully resume until late February. Term 1 only ended in the first week of May.
• We are currently supporting RYDA's work with 225 orphaned and otherwise vulnerable (OVC) 12-18 year old boys and girls living and learning on campus. There are 145 girls and 80 boys. They are educated in Life Skills and various vocations. The college also includes a further 104 fee paying day students (43 girls, 61 boys) from local families. All students are receiving education required to meet government curriculum requirements.
• Regular readers will know that for some years Geoffrey's health has been challenged by diabetes complications causing blood circulation issues and consequences from that which include slow healing of wounds like ulcers and in Geoffrey's case problems requiring leg operations. He sent his note above and these news items from his hospital bed recovering from one of these operations. In this case a foot operation, which was healing satisfactorily at time of writing. He continues to lead RYDA and, when his health allows, is constantly in touch with RYDA staff and children. Continuing prayer for him is welcome.
• Principal Suzan spends at least two days a week on campus where she is well supported by a deputy and staff. Her Deaconess role in the Church of Uganda brings responsibilities that fill most of the other days of the week. It is important for RYDA's networking and reputation that its Principal is so involved in the work of the church.

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