Abandoned Ugandan-born Chinese child searches for father

For Scola Amutos’ 10-year-old daughter, Angel Gao, the launch of an initiative supporting vulnerable Ugandan-born Chinese children by connecting them to their fathers to ensure they receive the care and support they need offers a glimmer of hope.

The child, born to a Ugandan mother from Pallisa district and Gao Ke, a Chinese father from Henan Province, faces challenges like severe food allergies, cultural identity struggles, and social stigma.

“The foundation’s support could be a lifeline for us,” Amutos says, clutching her daughter’s hand.

I want him to meet our child

Amutos met Ke, while studying at Kyambogo University in Kampala. He worked at China Ceramics City (U) Ltd, where he supported her financially and emotionally, helping her complete her degree in accounting and finance. Their relationship deepened when he moved to Nairobi in 2014 for a new job.

“He took me to Kenya, where we spent a week in luxury, exchanging phone numbers and emails,” Amutos recalls. He named their daughter after his grandmother, Gao, a gesture she cherishes. 

However, their connection frayed when Amutos lost her phone, severing communication.

“We were deeply in love, but lack of contact separated us,” she says. Now, she pleads for help to reconnect with Ke: “I want him to meet our child, see her grow, and give her a sense of belonging.”

The Eric-Wang Foundation, a Ugandan-based non-governmental organisation, recently launched a campaign to reunite abandoned Ugandan-born Chinese children with their fathers.

Director Eric Wang explained that the initiative emerged after reports of Chinese contractors leaving behind children from relationships formed during infrastructure projects.

“We heard stories of children mocked in their communities, struggling with basic needs like education and food,” Wang said during the launch in Kampala.

Amutos saw the foundation’s efforts as a beacon of hope.

“When I read about their work, I got tears of joy,” she said. “Maybe my daughter can finally meet her father.”

The administrator Eric Wang Foundation, Dorah Nakirya, Patron David Wang and Director Eric Wang addressing the press at Simbaland Cargo Holdings offices at Ham Building. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Abandonment challenge

The foundation’s patron, David Wang, said many Chinese workers involved in Uganda’s major projects, such as the Entebbe Expressway, Karuma Dam, and 4G network expansions, had left families behind.

“Women in Oyam [district] and Busoga [region] told us their children, fathered by Chinese workers, were ostracised and denied support,” he said.

The foundation has already identified two children without conducting DNA tests, aiming to provide education and resources while seeking fathers.

The struggles

Angel’s life mirrors the struggles of many mixed-heritage children. Her allergies to local foods require specialised care, while her mixed identity isolates her.

“I’ve never been to China, but I imagine Hong Kong’s beauty and wish my daughter could know her father,” Amutos says, her voice trembling.

Eric Wang emphasised the urgency: “These children deserve love and opportunities. We’re here to bridge the gap between them and their heritage.”

“Parenthood isn’t a temporary role. These children shouldn’t pay the price for their fathers’ choices.”

For Amutos, the fight continues. “I want Angel to know her roots,” she says.
“Every child deserves a father’s love.”

The Eric-Wang Foundation’s initiative may be her daughter’s only chance to bridge the ocean between Uganda and China.