JOURNEY OF A PEACE WORKER

Personal Reflection: A Season of Learning and Belonging in Gulu It’s hard to believe I’ve now spent 11 weeks in Gulu. Time, as they say, has a curious way of unfolding—what began with quiet apprehension has grown into a deeply meaningful chapter of my journey. I now live in a spacious house tucked in one of Gulu’s quiet suburbs, within walking distance of both town and my office. The rhythm of life here is slower than what I’m used to, yet somehow more intentional—and it has invited me to slow down and notice more. Before I arrived, I carried with me a mix of curiosity and caution. I had spoken to a few people about life in northern Uganda, but many questions still lingered. Would I feel safe in a place that only recently emerged from two decades of war? Would I be seen as an outsider? I had underestimated how being from a neighboring country could still come with its own version of “foreignness,” especially in a region so historically shaped by conflict and recovery. But I was wrong t...

My Last Days at TASO and Transition to RLP As my time at TASO draws to a close, I find myself filled with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. This week, I attended a workshop on tuberculosis (TB) hosted by TASO’s Medical Department. It wasn’t part of my official duties, but I invited myself anyway, compelled by a desire to understand how TB, often a silent companion to HIV/AIDS, is being managed among care providers. Dr. Owino, a seasoned radiologist from Kampala, delivered a powerful session on TB prevention for health workers. His insights were practical, grounded in science but filled with the urgency that comes from firsthand experience. What struck me most during the workshop wasn’t just the medical content but the subtle tension between donor priorities and government needs. One official, speaking on radio, had questioned the heavy focus on TB, HIV, and AIDS while diseases like malaria continue to claim thousands of lives. It raised an uncomfortable but necessary question: whose...

Ongoing Field Reflection Arrival in Gulu, Uganda:   After arriving in July, m y first priority was to make myself comfortable by finding a house and a phone and getting to know Gulu. Luckily, I was able to connect with my colleagues from Kroc who had arrived a few days earlier. Dr. William Komakech was instrumental in orienting us. During my first week, I explored my neighborhood, learned about the people, and figured out the distance between my home and the office. Dr. Komakech helped us find places to hang out and shop and briefed us on safety and security in Gulu. He also provided information about the local culture and the Northern Uganda conflict. On Thursday, I went shopping at the local market with my colleague David and his family. We bought foodstuffs, and I enjoyed the attention of David and his family. Gulu is the largest town in northern Uganda and is home to many ex-pat NGO workers. It was once a war zone, but now life is back to normal. Many NGOs and social e...

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP MANAGEMENT (OLM) COURSE WEEKLY JOURNALS    August 23, 2012 Our first day in class was a mix of both excitement and uncertainty. I was excited because I was beginning a new phase in my academic career but also uncertain because I didn’t know what to expect. Our discussion began by exploring leadership and what it is. I realized that leadership is something we can see and experience every day and everywhere - family, school, church, work, community, etc. As I reflected deeper into my own leadership experience, I realized I have been in some leadership positions at my local church where I served as a youth leader and later the Local Church Council Chairman for eight years. In my place of work, I have worked with others and also supervised staff. These opportunities have helped me to learn and grow. However, it also dawned on me that I have another role in the family where I am a husband to my wife and a father to my children. As the family head...

September 2013: I spent a better part of my time at my office at the Refugee Law Project in Gulu where I was based, researching and reviewing reports of various projects including the Advisory Consortium on Conflict Sensitivity Project (ACCS) and the Beyond Juba Project (BJP) II. I also attended several other meetings in and outside the office including the Gulu Local Government Council meeting,  which was held at the Council Chambers. Along with other informal meetings, these forums gave me a chance to learn more about the work of different actors in Gulu and how they are addressing issues and challenges facing the northern Uganda communities. Further, I was able to meet and network with different people. Here are reflections on the month. Weekly Staff Meeting: Improving Communication and Collaboration at RPL As a new member of the team at RPL, I was excited to attend my first general staff meeting. The meeting was part of our weekly planning and review process, where staff member...