Together We Transform: My Work in Nakivale Refugee Settlement

Hello, my name is David Tumwijukye from Uganda. I volunteer in one of the largest and oldest refugee camps in Africa—the Nakivale Refugee Settlement. This camp hosts over 300,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Burundi, and Rwanda, displaced by war and political instability. Life here is difficult, with challenges such as unfamiliar surroundings, cultural differences, language barriers, hunger, lack of clothing, limited education, depression, trauma, and inadequate shelter—many live in small tents. At times, it’s hard for me to work amid these conditions and poor infrastructure, but God always shows up.

I received a vision to serve this community ten years ago when I was in high school. It didn’t make sense then, until 2024, when a friend working in the camp invited me to attend one of his counseling classes. From that moment, my thinking changed—I felt spiritually called to this community and was reminded of my earlier vision.

Since then, I’ve sought ways to make an impact. I completed a “Counseling on the Streets” course to help teach and walk with refugees as they heal from trauma, depression, anxiety, and stress. I now lead counseling and discipleship classes three times a week. In these sessions, I guide groups of about 20–25 people through topics that speak deeply to trauma, anxiety, and depression. We sit together in a circle and create a space where everyone is free to share their thoughts, offer ideas, and speak openly about their past experiences. The group members encourage one another with compassion and honesty. This work is essential because so many have witnessed unimaginable violence—loved ones shot with live bullets, families torn apart, and others narrowly escaping imprisonment simply because they did not support the ruling regimes in their home countries. These conversations help them feel heard, cared for, and supported as they rebuild their lives.

I also began helping mothers and widows gain hands‑on skills through sewing; so far, I’ve acquired two sewing machines for one group and continue praying for more. I’ve seen 250 children receive school fees for a year—amazing! I’ve also distributed food items and sunscreen to the Albino community, one of the most isolated groups in the camp.

God is amazing. I met a brother and friend, Dan from City Voices, who has encouraged and supported me to continue this work. I thank God for Dan’s life. Dan holds weekly online sessions every Saturday, and I’ve been blessed to join them—to learn, share, and apply what I learn to help the refugee community grow stronger.

Thank you for your support. Together, we can transform our communities.