Northern Uganda is a region of rich soil and a mild, semi-tropical climate. Traditionally, it has been the heart of agricultural production for the country. Its current distinguishing feature, however, are the hundreds of internal refugee camps.

Two decades of insurgent activity by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has resulted in burned towns and villages, abducted children, and brutally destroyed lives and livelihoods. Consequently, nearly two million people are now forced to call the refugee camps "home" for their own safety. Where they once successfully farmed and herded livestock, Uganda's displaced are unable to do so within the vicinity of the camps, since the LRA rebels are known to attack farmers and steal their crops.

Conditions in the cramped and squalid camps are a humanitarian crisis; malnourishment and disease are common and families in the camps must rely on international assistance in order to survive. This is extremely harsh on these once proud and independent people. Against this backdrop, several international relief efforts have been established to help the people to earn income through the production and sale of bead jewelry made from recycled paper.