Tears of Joy as Kampala Launched my Story in a Rainy Saturday Afternoon

On June 25th, 2022 at 2:00 pm (East African Time), my team and I were warmly received by the Kampala-based South Sudanese community, some of whom had traveled far and wide from the refugee camps to listen to what “I am My Mother’s Wildest Dream" had to say. A story of a young boy in his teenage years will remain with me for some time to come. He traveled all the way from one of the many refugee camps in Uganda, sat in the front seat, and listened in while we launched the book. After the launch, he found his way to where my team and I were to get a glimpse of me. We opened up to him and he had a good chat with my friend and editor, Kamille Thomas.

My team and Amb. Milton to my left just minutes after the launch began

The event, despite the last-minute push, attracted over 100 people, the majority of whom were young people aged 15-30, anxious and excited at the same time. Notable attendees were Amb. Kambula Milton, President of the Global Peace Services, and Mr. Lual Akol, Education Attache of the South Sudan Embassy in Uganda (absent with apology) among others. The event started a bit late due to inconveniences caused by the unpredictable Kampala weather. There were heavy downpours just an hour before the event which the organizers blamed for a low turnout. I wondered what things would be like if it did not rain as the hall was already packed with some attendees standing.

With excited teenage girls posing with the picture of my book

The launch was organized by the Generation Mentorship Club (GMC) with a generous host provided for by the NextGen International School. We began the program with a word of prayers. We were then welcomed officially by the organizers first by the Chairman of the GMC, Mr. Kuduop Mawich. Kuduop stressed the fact that the GMC team was committed to fighting illiteracy and ignorance and that it was an honor to be able to put in place such an important event to launch my book. He was impressed by the my ability to stand up despite the sensitive nature of my life story.

With Mahoth right and Kuduop left while at the Entebbe International Airport, Uganda

The same words were stressed by the GMC Coordinator in Kampala who also doubled as the co-organizer, Mr.