A campaign to raise £50,000 to build a home in Uganda for orphans whose parents have died after contracting Aids has been launched in Oxford.

Reeta Kaala and Lise Humphries

Ugandan Reeta Kaala, who has lived in the city for more than 10 years, has set up the project as her own grandfather is among hundreds of elderly people in east Africa struggling to look after the country's orphans.

She is pictured, above, left, with local campaigner Lise Humphries.

Campaigners, charity workers and supporters from across the city attended the launch at East Oxford Community Centre, in Manzil Way, to hear about the project.

It aims to lift the orphans out of poverty and make them self-sufficient.

Miss Kaala, 40, of Cowley Road, said at least one of the five children being cared for by her 83-year-old grandfather was HIV positive.

The scale of the problem has prompted the campaign to build a home to care for 100 children on the Ssese islands on Lake Victoria.

Miss Kaala's father has donated 12 acres of land to build four homes.

The Church of Uganda has agreed to lease a further 20 acres on the main island to create an organic

farm.