James, Claire and their daughters Ruby, Jessica and Florence served with AIM in Kampala, Uganda, from 2012-2019.

Acacia International School is a Christian International School in Kampala. Claire was the Senior School’s Principal from August 2014-August 2019. She endeavoured to create a school environment where God was honoured and students learned more about the gospel every day; staff felt valued and supported to do their job well; and students could learn and achieve excellence in their studies. The school provides a Christian learning environment for children of many nations, including a number of missionary families living and working in Uganda.

James worked as an Honorary Lecturer at Makarere University in Kampala, the only veterinary school in Uganda. He taught surgery to the students and aimed to provide opportunities for them to practice their skills by arranging surgeries at the vet school, and taking students on surgery trips to different areas of Uganda. These trips were an opportunity to get to know students better, for them to get hands on surgical experience, and to be able to discuss aspects of faith. James aimed to disciple and mentor students to become young professionals with integrity who love God. Towards the end of their time in Uganda, James volunteered at the Uganda Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (USPCA) to help train and mentor a new young vet there and set up a veterinary clinic. The clinic serves as a satellite training facility for the vet students where they can learn ideal surgical and anaesthetic practice. James also partnered with other NGOs with various livestock development projects across Uganda, including community rabies vaccination programs, rabbit and pig projects.