M-Lisada's social workers walk 332kms to honour child-victims of the Kony war

Jun 17, 2016

The great Gulu walk attracted about 20 participants, mainly social workers, who left the headquarters of the organisation in Nsambya Central Zone, near Kampala, on May 31.

M-Lisada, an NGO of former street children based in Nsambya has continued to execute the activities, which it lined up to commemorate its 20th anniversary. Shortly after planting trees in Bombo, where the organisation is planning to build a sh1bn Primary/Vocational school for vulnerable children. M-Lisada's social workers and well-wishers have performed another historical activity, the 332km trek from Gulu, in Northern Uganda to Kampala.

 rancis kello walking fromulu withhis colleagues Francis Okello walking from-Gulu with-his colleagues

 

The great Gulu walk attracted about 20 participants, mainly social workers, who left the headquarters of the organisation in Nsambya Central Zone, near Kampala, on May 31. On arrival in Gulu, the walkers met the RDC of Gulu, Captain Santos Okot Lapolo, who flagged them off on June 1.

Bosco Segawa, the Founding Director of the organisation explained the purpose of the Gulu walk: "For two decades we have committed ourselves to taking care of street children, orphans and other vulnerable children. We considered it right and just to walk 332kms from Gulu, to remember in a special way the many children who died during the Kony war. We also wanted to raise funds for the construction of our proposed sh1bn Primary and Vocational School, at Bombo, as a monumental for our 20th anniversary."

rancis kello planting atree in ulu Francis Okello planting a-tree in Gulu.

 

"The first day we walked 24 kms and our first stop over was at Bobi. Further stop-overs were at places like Kamudini, Kaluma, Bweyale, Kigumba, Kakooge, Luweero, Kalule and Kawempe. On our way we planted several trees as a symbol of peace."

M-Lisada trekkers arrived back in Kampala on June 15, around mid-day. The visibly exhausted walkers were received by their relatives, friends, well-wishers and needy children, who had waited for them at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Nsambya, as early as 6:00am. The overjoyed trekkers then walked in procession from St. Peter's Catholic Church, Nsambya, to the organisation's premises, led by M-Lisada brass Band.

  isadas osco egawa with the  of ulu antos kotapolo in ulu M -Lisada's Bosco Segawa with the RDC of Gulu, Santos Okot-Lapolo, in Gulu

 

The walkers were later recognised with certificates. M-Lisada also appreciated its partners, who included Interkultura (Germany), Chellastone Academy (UK), Brass for Africa (UK), Masomo (Denmark), Torfs (Belgium), Jodash Consult, Walk Aid Uganda and Emporia State University, Kansas, USA. The Gulu walk ran under the theme: Walking for a better future.

The walkers included Emmanuel O'Kane (from the US), Robert Guyidde Buyondo (a local leader), David Westfall (a friend from the US), Derrick Maritoli Tebeezinda, Walter Franken and Anthony Kasule.

Others were Emilly Donia, Ronald Mukiibi, Lawrence Kiggundu, Margaret Kyolaba, Emmanuel Kigongo, Stephen Lyazi, Edwin Barungi, Henry Bwanika Ssalongo, Mark Sekitto, Francis Okello and Bosco Ssegawa.

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