ABOUT US

Who We Are

Comboni Samaritans of Gulu (CSG), is a Ugandan nongovernmental organization (NGO) founded in 1992 by two Comboni Missionaries Rev. Fr. Paul Ottolini and Rev. Sr. Giovanna Calabria and the late Dr. Matthew Lukwiya.  At that time, the region of Northern Uganda was suffering from a brutal war between the Ugandan government and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group.  One of the many consequences of this brutal conflict was limited health care and raising awareness on health issues which resulted in the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS disease.  In response, there was a pastoral concern for the sick and their families, suffering not only from the disease, but also from widespread stigmatization, leading to establishment of Comboni Samaritans of Gulu.

At the beginning, CSG activities took place merely on a voluntary basis and they included visiting and praying with the sick, transporting the weak to hospitals, and rendering care and material support to those in need. CSG grew over the years setting up health, education, and youth departments with professional staff. Later on in the 1990s, the Wawoto Kacel Cooperative was also founded with the support of CSG. More medical personnel became involved in the work of CSG and the activities expanded to include capacity building, community sensitization, support of HIV/AIDS orphans, and many others. In 2004, Wawoto Kacel Cooperative became an independent organization to assure the work of vulnerable and disadvantaged people affected by AIDS.
CSG is a registered local NGO with a board of Governors, and it developed into one of the most important support structures for people affected by HIV/AIDS in the Gulu district. CSG works to provide a holistic approach to the disease by sponsoring education possibilities, creating awareness on HIV/AIDS, supporting capacity building, and offering health care and other services to the vulnerable and disadvantaged people in different communities.

Vision

A healthy and HIV/AIDS free, empowered, compassionate, and peaceful society inspired by the gospel values.

Mission

To provide a holistic approach to HIV/AIDS pandemic by focusing on the physical, psychological, spiritual, social, and economic needs of persons at risk and those who are infected and affected.

Core Values

  • Compassion
  • Humanity
  • Accountability
  • Team Spirit
  • Commitment
  • Faithfulness
  • Love
  • Transparency
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