Amin. (Shudder!)

'I was only 7 when Idi Amin arrested my father': the Christian man using education to make disciples in Uganda.

Shadrach Lukwago  04 November 2024.

I was just seven years old when Idi Amin's soldiers arrested my father. He was a pastor in a small village in Luweero, Central Uganda and during that time, Christians were seen as a threat to Amin's regime. His government persecuted believers, arresting, torturing, and even killing those who stood firm in their faith. My father was one of them. I remember being afraid, watching our community live in constant fear of military brutality. The bush war tore families apart, left homes in ruins and took the lives of thousands of Ugandans. It was in this environment, amidst chaos and oppression, that I first encountered Jesus.

Growing up, I was raised in a Christian family. Despite the hardships, my parents faithfully taught me about God and at primary school, through the Scripture Union, I gave my life to Christ. I was fifteen, the war had ended, but we were still struggling. My parents could barely afford to send me to school. It's a reality many children in Uganda face — education is a luxury, not a guarantee. I was fortunate enough to complete secondary school but when it came time for higher education, the doors seemed closed. My family simply didn't have the means to support me any further. CT.