What I truly desire is to go back home to Mbale

Abdul Shakur, 23 years old

“What I truly desire is to go back home to Mbale. It’s been a long time since I saw my family, and I miss them deeply.”

Abdul has lived on the streets for years, far from the comfort of home and family. When we met him during the outreach, he spoke about his longing to reconnect with his roots. “I would love to return and just see the people at home. I miss them. But even small things stop me like not having decent shoes or clothes.”

Despite the challenges he faces, Abdul is skilled and hardworking. “I know how to repair tyres for bicycles, motorbikes, and cars. I’m not afraid of work. If there’s a job I can do, I’m ready.”

Through the outreach, Abdul shared how the message of hope and the kindness he received made him reflect on his choices and attitude. “Today I’ve learned the importance of discipline. I want to become more calm, not quick to fight or get angry. I want to be a better person.”

However, life on the streets has taken its toll. He admitted to using substances like ‘mafuta’ (petrol) and weed, as a way to cope. “I sniff petrol and smoke weed to feel good, to forget my problems. I want to stop sniffing mafuta. With weed, it helps me think and feel elevated, like it lifts me away from the problems of my life.”

Still, there is a spark of hope in his eyes when he talks about faith and change. “I’ve been to a few churches. I respect born-again Christians. If I could get a chance, maybe a job or just some help with clothes and shoes, I’d go back home.”

On Thursday, the Mukono Easter Mission reached out to one of the most vulnerable and often forgotten groups in our society; the street children. Through a special outreach and lunch organized by AEE-U, 150 children were welcomed, loved, and ministered to. We spoke to some of them. Here are some of the stories shared by the children. Stories that reflect both the pain they’ve endured and the deep need for love, healing, and restoration. As you read, please keep them in your prayers.