(Last of four parts – Daniel’s perspective)

By Christine Mirembe

Born on July 7, 1998, in Soroti District, Okudai Village, to Olila Thomas and the late Akiteng Joyce, Daniel Edotu is the first born of nine children. Emerging from a humble background, his family was among the poorest in the village, raising mockery from the community.  The parents had a daily prayer – to have some of their children acquire education sponsorship.

Due to financial constraints, Daniel became an “academic tourist,” moving from school to school during his primary education. From Lalle Primary School for primary one and two to Olong Primary School for level three.

“Affording meals, buying washing soap and smearing oil (for skin care) was all a challenge while at school,” Daniel, now age 26, said. “At times I used to survive on raw mangoes for lunch.”

It is at this point – when Daniel was approaching age nine – that his parents’ long-term prayer was answered. He went to Nakatunya Primary School in the western division of Soroti under Compassion International, a child sponsorship organization. They work to release children from poverty by meeting their immediate and long-term needs in partnership with Christian churches.

Compassion, a non-profit started in 1952, came to Soroti to partner with a Baptist church to sponsor economically disadvantaged children. With the help of his uncle and father, Daniel was successfully registered among those children under the Compassion program. They got tuition and mattresses, vaseline, soap and scholastic materials, among other necessities.

While under Compassion, students and sponsors exchanged letters. For Daniel, the exchange was with a Virginia, USA, couple, David and Linda Bassert. 

“I used to write about the Ugandan weather, whatever I learned in school and Bible verses,” said Daniel, who is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in law at Uganda Christian University (UCU) with the Bassert’s sponsorship through the Uganda Partners NGO. 

“God willing,” Daniel said of his future, he hopes to graduate in 2025 and thereafter join the Law Development Centre (LDC) for another year before being a practicing attorney.

It was growing up in a community filled with injustice and having no voice regarding positive change that influenced Daniel to pursue law. He wants to give back by being a voice to the voiceless, especially for marginalized groups like children and women.

Daniel says that his Christian walk has been a door opener to every step in his life and that he would not have been part of Compassion if it was not for church. He credits his humility to his strong Christian family background and being nurtured in Christ both at home and school.

His guiding scripture is Philippians 4:13 that says, ”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Daniel says meeting the Basserts for the first time in October 2024 was an emotional and crucial moment of his life as the couple helped rekindle his future plans.

“Their coming was well timed; they came at a time I needed someone to be there for me – to strengthen and encourage me,” he said. “It meant a lot. I am grateful.”

He also appreciates Uganda Partners for holding his hand after graduating from the Compassion program as he has never missed out on tuition clearance. He thanks many people who are always there for him and above all, God for bringing him this far.

“No one has graduated from my village, so it’s like a breakthrough for the whole community where I come from,” Daniel said. “This motivates me to work even harder. I am not yet to give up.” 

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To support  Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities, and services, go to  www.ugandapartners.org  and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at  m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.

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