Kagawa Protus: A Journey from the Streets to Hope

At just 14 years old, Kagawa Protus has a story that reflects both hardship and resilience. He came to our organization during a street outreach initiative, and through our efforts, we embarked on a journey to understand the circumstances that led him to the streets and how best to support him in finding a path back home and into a brighter future.

Kagawa Protus

Understanding the Challenges

Protus is the eldest of five children, born to Mr. Mutabuza Patrick, a retired soldier, and Miss Birungi Sarah, a nursery teacher who is also his stepmother. Despite his father’s love for him, this affection inadvertently contributed to his struggles. Protus was never held accountable for his actions, and his lack of boundaries led him to fall in with the wrong crowd—peers already living on the streets of Nampirika in Iganga District.

As he grew older, Protus began engaging in troubling behaviors. He started by stealing small amounts of money at home and selling household items, like damaged saucepans, as scrap. Eventually, his actions escalated to breaking into neighbors' houses. The tipping point came when he stole an iPhone and 50,000 Ugandan shillings from a neighbor. When confronted, his father defended him, further deepening tensions at home.

The day after the incident, Protus disappeared. His parents reported his disappearance to the police, but it was later discovered that he had sought refuge with his biological mother, who had left him when he was just four years old. Unfortunately, that arrangement did not last, and Protus ended up living on the streets, where he has spent the past three years.

Family Challenges

Protus’s family dynamics changed drastically after his disappearance. His father eventually abandoned the family, leaving Miss Birungi to raise the remaining children on her own. Despite these hardships, she has worked tirelessly to ensure her children stay in school and pursue a better future.

A Glimpse of Hope

In our interactions with Protus, it became clear that, despite his struggles, he possesses remarkable potential. While he has a history of theft and defiance, he is also a hardworking and talented young man. Protus is particularly skilled with his hands—he has a knack for mechanics, often dismantling and reassembling bicycles with precision. His talents suggest that he could thrive in a vocational setting where he can develop these skills further.

Protus has expressed a genuine desire to change and return home. His passion for mechanics and willingness to reform provide a solid foundation for rebuilding his life.

The Way Forward

To help Protus achieve his potential, we recommend enrolling him in a vocational training program focused on mechanics. This opportunity would allow him to harness his natural abilities, build a stable future, and reintegrate into his family and community. With financial support, Protus can leave the streets behind for good and embark on a journey toward a brighter tomorrow.

Conclusion

Protus’s story is a testament to the importance of understanding the root causes behind a child’s struggles and the power of targeted intervention. With your continued support, we can give Protus—and many others like him—a chance to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.

Prepared by: Moureen Nampewo