One Man's Quest to Heal His Country

"CETRUD is a development Non-Governmental Organization registered under the Government of Uganda..  It was founded in 1997 with a purpose of addressing poverty, environment and health issues, by providing appropriate technology and relevant development services to the poor communities.  CETRUD operates in the Rwenzori region of Uganda." 

As a young man, Mr. Kasozi attended a program on sustainable agriculture in 1989 at UCSC, and thus began his quest to bring change, health and hope to his native Uganda.   As a certified NGO, CETRUD's mission is to improve human life, environment and give tangible hope to poor people in Uganda with the belief that someday communities will be free from poverty, disease, illiteracy and be able to sustainably manage their natural resources. 

Mr. Kosozi is clearly a very intelligent, motivated, compassionate and driven individual.  He revealed in his presentation the staggering need for help and change in Uganda and the horrific conditions under which the typical Ugandan survives.    Although CETRUD is a tiny fledgling organization their goals are lofty and their beliefs are strong.   From humble beginnings, CETRUD has forged a trusting relationship with the Ugandan government and people in which it operates as well as an international support network, with strong ties to the Firelight Foundation and Santa Cruz area philanthropists. 

CETRUD has established an impressive array of programs to address their core objectives.  The programs focus on the areas of: Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Management, Appropriate Technology, Health Improvement, HIV/AIDS, Business Entrepreneurship, Child Sponsorship, Poverty Alleviation and Information Collection and Dissemination. 

What stood out most in Mr. Kosozi's presentation, beyond the picture of desperate need in Uganda he painted, beyond the hopeful vision articulated in the CETRUD's charter, beyond even the breadth of programs CETRUD has launched; what cries out the loudest is the personal commitment and sacrifice that this man has made to improving the lives of his countrymen, and the undeniable truth that one individual with vision, belief, hope and drive can change a life, a community and perhaps a whole country. 

Visit the CETRUD website ( www.CETRUD.org ) or the Firelight Foundation  ( www.FirelightFoundation.org ) for more information and how you can get involved.