Finding Joy, Perspective, and Hardship: Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Africa

By Amanda Paa – Updated April 23, 2023
Nakivale Community - African people - Ugandan

I never dreamed I’d visit Africa.

And I certainly never dreamed I’d run through the African plains with over 1,200 refugees, celebrating their freedom. Together, as friends.

It has taken me a while to write this post about my visit to Uganda, an amazing opportunity I received through the American Refugee Committee, to visually capture Nakivale, one of the oldest refugee settlements. Mostly because the experience has been hard to put into words, especially written. So much of it struck my heart, emotions, and perspective in ways I’m still trying to fully understand. And partly because of the hundreds of photos I took, having to decide which to share with you, when all I wanted to do was share them all. (Which is why I’ll be writing another post about Uganda itself, the amazing people I traveled with, the land and life, tips for Africa, and the safari we went on.)

It wasn’t an easy decision to say yes, being somewhat afraid for my safety and health. But I knew few things like this come along in life, and they do so for good reason. So I accepted. Nervous, excited, and certain I would see things I couldn’t prepare myself for.

Nakivale Refugee Camp - Uganda - colors of africa
Nakivale Refugee Camp - Uganda - colors of africa
Nakivale - World Refugee Day

After being there for just one day, I was no longer nervous. The excitement turned to awe. And the things I couldn’t prepare myself to see and experience were clear as day. Coming from 12 different nations, it’s a melting pot at Nakivale, having fled political upheaval, religious conflict, war, and violence. Many times without family. Just think about that for a second. Fleeing. Running. Leaving everything behind to stay alive. (To put it in perspective, 65.3 million people are forced to leave their homes every year, and the ARC reaches 2 million of them.)

Recognizing the importance of social cohesion, Uganda tries to integrate refugees and promote peace. Refugees have access to the same services as Ugandan citizens. And rather than setting up traditional refugee camps, the Ugandan government builds settlements where refugees receive a plot of land. But even though these people are free, there are many struggles, the most detrimental being clean water, sanitation, and gender based violence (common for refugee areas, where the poverty and insecurity heightens the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse). Beyond that, there are things we are so very far removed from…..

No running water.
No electricity.
No modern ways of living, or housing structures.
Poverty.
Malnutrition.
Lack of healthcare.

Nakivale - Water supply
Nakivale - Water supply

But with each conversation, each passing, each interaction, I became ever aware of the true joy and happiness within these courageous folk, none of it having to do with materialistic things. Or even having basic needs met. Instead, it’s being able to live free, with a community and place they can call home. And for them, that’s enough. The love and the strength of the human spirit was so evident.

After spending three full days on the settlement, I hadn’t just met refugees. I had made new friends with brave, kind, and inspiring people – that were more like me, and you, than different even though our living conditions and journeys are very different. And to see the work of the American Refugee Committee in action was incredible. Listening to the refugees, helping them with the challenges they’re faces, and helping make a difference in their lives. When they have all the information they need, they co-design solutions that create new value and make meaningful change.

Nakivale Community - African people - Ugandan
Nakivale Settlement, Uganda, Refugee Camp

One of the main reasons we were there was for the 5k race on World Refugee Day that the American Refugee Committee had organized, and spent months helping the refugees raise money for their own small projects they had pledged to run for. The passion and excitement they have for their interests is something so special, something that touches you deeply when you watch them and speak to them about. They have conviction, and soul….. because for many of them, it’s all they’ve got.

The acrobats running and leaping through the hot, dry African air, using their bodies to support such skill and determination. They had no mats, or props besides those they’d found or made – a  raggedy rope they strung from tree to tree as a tight rope and wooden dowels for juggling pins. As they reached their fundraising goal, we brought them things they needed, and when the young man did his first tumble on a mat instead of the bare ground, I can’t even describe the gladness his eyes lit up with.

Nakivale Settlement, Uganda, Refugee Camp
Nakivale Settlement, Uganda, Refugee Camp

The Burundi Drumming and Dancing team was phenomenal. They perform a ritual dance of the royal drum, a spectacle combining powerful, synchronized drumming with dancing, heroic poetry and traditional songs. Some of the women who are part of the team have come out of prostitution and this is the activity that gives them a sense of community, and positivity.

They were running to raise money for a dance studio, so they could practice and perform even on days it rains, as well as for safety, as there are regular injuries from uneven ground and thorny brush.

Nakivale -- Uganda - Burundi Drumming and Dancing Team
Nakivale -- Uganda - Burundi Drumming and Dancing Team
Nakivale -- Uganda - Burundi Drumming and Dancing Team

We spent a morning with Mr. Wilson, the lead of the Women’s Empowerment Gardening program. It’s part of the opportunities created by the American Refugee Committee, helping women find skill and meaning, many who have fled violence.

Together they learn new gardening techniques and work a plot of land to provide nutrition for their families and an income to create their new future. This program has been so successful that men have also joined – looking for a way to also provide for their families.

Nakivale, Uganda, Women's empowerment gardening program
Nakivale, Uganda, Women's empowerment gardening program
Nakivale, Uganda, Women's empowerment gardening program

And the artists. Who built their studio from cement and empty soda bottles, creating not only a functional building, but a fascinating piece of art.

We were able to enjoy lunch with them, a classic plate of rice, beans, and g. nuts sauce (crushed ground peanuts), and talk about their different skill sets, like painting, photography, and music.

Nakivale Artist Studio - building made out of soda pop bottles
Nakivale - Rice and Beans lunch, with g. nuts sauce {ground peanut sauce}
Nakivale Artist Studio - building made out of soda pop bottles
Nakivale Art

On the final day, our team celebrated World Refugee Day at the settlement, running alongside 1,200 of them in the 5k race. It was definitely an out of body experience.

Their enthusiasm and spirit, celebrating their freedom as one, was so moving. We ran through cheering and cowbells, meeting people along the way, and stopping to capture the sights of daily life. 

Nakivale - World Refugee Day
Nakivale - World Refugee Day
Nakivale - World Refugee Day
Nakivale - World Refugee Day

In 7 short days, I found joy, inspiration, perspective, and hardship.

And an understanding of the human race. In that we’re all doing the best we can, with what we have. We have compassion in our hearts, and love in our actions. Yet we need each other, and community, to make it all work. I’m home now, with an entirely different perspective on life, so grateful for what these refugees have given me, and the opportunity from the American Refugee Committee.

An experience that will never leave me. Thank you for letting me share it with you.
xo, Amanda

If you’d like to learn more about the projects around the world that the ARC is working on, you can find that HERE.

The photos you see of me in this post were taken by Jill Emmer, an amazing photographer, person, and now friend. More on that in the next post. 

Nakivale - World Refugee Day - Umbrella project

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July 6, 2017

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22 comments

  1. Kate

    Absolutely stunning. The photos, the words, your heart, everything. What an amazing opportunity.

    • amandapaa

      Thank you so much, Kate. A life changing experience…. Really appreciate you reading. xo

  2. Emily

    How I often need these reminders, to take a moment to step outside of myself, to realize the world around me, and to spend time reflecting. No doubt that this was so difficult to document, but you did it so beautifully, honestly, and sincerely. Thank you for sharing your heart and about the work of the African Refugee Committee. These photos capture both the joy and the struggles. What a gift to them and your readers.

  3. kate | tasty seasons

    thank you for sharing your experience on this trip with such grace and humanity. the impact the trip had on you comes through in your writing and these photos are stunning. thank you for shining a light on this part of our world. xo!

  4. Ruby

    Amanda, wow. This sounds like such an incredible experience you had there. I cannot even imagine what it was like! You have captured it beautifully through words and these absolutely stunning, rich pictures. Thank you for sharing a slice of this special journey. Can’t wait to see more <3

    • amandapaa

      You’ve had some amazing journey’s as of late too! It certainly puts us out of comfort zone, and allows us to engage with what makes this world so fascinating. xo

  5. Gaddemon

    Gorgeous pictures!

    • amandapaa

      Thank you! Some fascinating moments were right there in front of me. xo

  6. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles

    Such an amazing life-changing experience, to live amongst this way of life so different from our own. You captured everything beautifully.

    • amandapaa

      thank you for reading, Brenda. these people have more strength than i will ever have. and to be able to be let into their lives for even just a few days was so inspiring. xo

  7. Amisha

    I have been waiting to hear about your trip to Uganda and also your experience! I saw your post and I had to read it! It was very heart warming, you write from your heart with so much depth and beauty! Your pictures are stunning, and I immediately felt I want to go there to meet the people. It Is amazing to see how warm and kind these people can be.

    I cannot wait to go to Uganda some day! My mom was born there and I have heard of so many stories from her, my grandma, aunts and uncles. Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing ! :)

  8. Alison @FoodbyMars

    What a once in a lifetime experience, Amanda!! Stunning photos, I feel like the stories come through so vibrantly, and their personalities too. Your reflections and memories are amazing, I’m sure the imprint they’ve made will last a lifetime. Thanks for sharing and for going to share these stories, no one can do it like you!! XO

  9. Patricia @ Grab a Plate

    What an amazing experience of a lifetime for you. Your story and your photos are amazing. I look forward to reading more!

    • amandapaa

      Thank you so much for reading, Patricia! I’m still taking it all in. Those people touched me in a way I didn’t know possible!

  10. robyn holland | sweetish.co

    Gah, just beautiful Amanda. Stunning images, gorgeous words, my heart is full and my eyes are wet. What an incredible experience and what beautiful people. Thank you for being brave and not only going, but sharing this beautiful experience with us also. It’s such a good reminder that there is so much good still to be done in this world. xo

    • amandapaa

      Robyn! I appreciate all of your kind words, and you taking the time to read. It’s such an honor to be able to share your story. And yes, certainly more good to be done! xo

  11. Kyobe Joseph Nsubuga

    Thank you Amanda! The world has that one place you’ll always be nervous of visiting, it yet it the place to be.Thank you again for coming to Nakivale.

  12. Mary

    Wow, Amanda. This is all so moving…what an incredible experience! That gardening program has my heart in so many ways, too. Thank you so so much for sharing this journey. I’m sure it will continue to stretch and grow you long after your return home. So much love, world changer, you. xo

    • amandapaa

      Thank you for reading and following along Mary. It was such an honor to be able to share their story! It’s my wish that every one could meet these people, and see the lives they live. All the love, Amanda

  13. Abby @ Heart of a Baker

    Oh Amanda, this post is beautiful and humbling all in one. I was so excited to read about your trip and you brought everything to life so well in your pictures. I can’t imagine the experience was easy, but it looks like it was heart fulfilling and lovely. xoxoxo

    • amandapaa

      Thank you, Abby! The people were beautiful in so many ways. And the lives they live is so inspiring. We take so much for granted here… and really has changed the way I think about my days. xo

  14. Sarah @ Snixy Kitchen

    This post is so beautiful. From the photos to the stories. My heart is now also feeling emotions I wasn’t expecting to feel – so thank you for sharing a piece of this journey with us. And doing so with such grace and elegance. Love!!