Ochan Self-Help Alliance Helps Rehabilitate War-Ravaged Villages in Northern Uganda
Cambridge Who’s Who® member Dr. William Boto is the founder of Ochan Self-Help Alliance, a nonprofit organization that supports the rehabilitation of villages in war-ravaged northern Uganda. An estimated three million Ugandan citizens who were displaced by the prolonged civil war with the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have started resettling in their original villages. The Ochan Self-Help Alliance assists refugees in reentering their homeland and starting life over through the construction of homes and encouragement of economic improvement through agricultural production.
Dr. William Boto with Ugandan native Rojina and family at the site of their future home. Photo credit John Otim
Through alliances they have struck with local associations, the organization builds environmentally friendly residences and secures housing for the most at-risk Ugandan people. Ochan Self-Help Alliance also provides health care assistance in an effort to improve the community’s quality of life, reduce mortality rates, and prevent disease. Further, taking steps to strengthen Uganda’s economy, the alliance educates its clients on how to develop ecological agricultural practices. Operating at the village level, Dr. Boto’s staff instructs villagers on green methods such as bio-intensive farming — a sustainable solution for growing food, preserving soil and conserving natural resources. They are also helping to reverse the accelerating pace of manmade deforestation occurring in the northern part of the country through massive tree planting.
A Ugandan native, Dr. Boto left his homeland and immigrated to America in 1972 to escape oppression during the Idi Amin Dada reign, when it became unsafe for educated citizens, as they were believed to pose a threat to the Ugandan president. Dr. Boto was particularly inspired to start his organization after visiting Opac Village, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges Ugandan citizens faced upon returning to their war-demolished homes. Empty-handed and without food or health care services, the villagers were forced to live chaotic lives upon return. Dr. Boto became emotionally involved when the villagers asked him to become the voice for their people in the United States, where he could encourage support for their resettlement efforts. He decided to advocate for his kinsmen when he noticed the words displayed on the wall of their dilapidated one-room village store: “kel kuc pacu” (kel kooch PAH-choo) which means “bring peace home” — an inspirational message of hope and restoration.
Acol Alice picking cotton with a sibling on her back. Photo credit John Otim
In 2008, during one of his missions to the country, Dr. Boto met one of his biggest inspirations for helping the inhabitants of Opac Village: a 7-year-old girl named Acol Alice. She became caretaker after losing her father to the war and disease rendered her mother disabled. She cooked, cleaned, and gathered firewood, foodstuff and water, neglecting her classroom education to complete her chores. Her family was among 4,500 households returning from refugee camps to resettle in their village. Acol Alice’s story reflects each family’s struggle for survival, particularly those who lost their primary caregiver. Her struggle has driven Dr. Boto to do everything in his power to help other youth avoid the same fate.
Cambridge Who's Who member Dr. William Boto, President, Ochan Self-Help Alliance
Dr. William Boto received his undergraduate degree from Makerere University, in Uganda. After migrating to the U.S., he advanced his education by obtaining a Master of Arts from Clark University in Worcester, Mass., and a Master of Science from Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. He also earned a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. In addition to his work with the Ochan Self-Help Alliance, Dr. Boto has directed international training programs for United States students and bio-medical research, particularly in Africa.
For information about helping to restore the lives, health and productivity of the Ugandan people living in small villages, please visit the Ochan Self-Help Alliance website.
