Nakivale Refugee Settlement Library 2026
We had the honor to work with another tremendous group of young people in Nakivale this summer. Their work is incredible and we hope you will take the time to explore their memoirs. Please not some stories contain scenes of violence and trauma and may not be suitable for all readers.
No Water, No Smile
by Mutee
This beautifully illustrated memoir describes Francis’s quest for water for his family when the water point in his village is dry.
They’ve Killed Many People. War is Bad.
by Amos Kasereka
Amos tells the difficult story of the time when war came to his village and his family was forced to flee for refuge. This memoir contains images and descriptions of extreme violence.
Young Boy Kevin, Life, and His Father
by Kevin Bajirenge
Kevin describes how he first came to attend school, what happened when he put himself forward for a leadership position, and the unending support from his father.
The Last Words of My Grandfather
by Grace
Grace explores how he wrestled with his grandfather’s dying words and his choice to use art rather than violence in an effort to make lasting change.
Masudi and His best Chicken Friend
by Jean Phili Masudi
Masudi’s fabulous paintings help convey his confusion and sorrow at the loss of his dear hen and his family’s efforts to divert him as he tried to find her.
The Invisible Noise Inside My Mind
by Michell Kangombe
Michell’s evocative drawings are a powerful accompaniment to his writing about the struggles he and his family face as they make their way in Nakivale.
Hidden Pain
by Hana Shibru Tefera
Hana’s memoir details the hideous abuse she suffered as a young girl and her work to move forward and find success through her educational journey and the people who believed in her along the way.
The Long Hunger Queue &
I Walked Through Fire & Learned to Shine
by Shine
Shine’s two beautifully illustrated memoir stories describe his family’s difficult decision to leave their home in Congo and the many trials faced by refugees just trying to meet their basic needs each day.
Paths of Pain, Paths of Growth
by Wayesu Fridah
Fridah details the impacts of alcohol, violence, and domestic upheaval on women and their children living in a refugee settlement and how we can all find growth through challenges.
My Story in Nakivale
by Moonlight
In his memoir Moonlight shares how he had to stop attending school after P.7 because he and his siblings did not have money for school fees. But he continues to develop his artistic talents through attendance at art classes.
Family Paths Have Diverged
by Micheal Ndasiba
Micheal’s lovely writing explains the different paths through life he and his siblings took as they progressed through school and dealt with the challenges life put in front of them.
More than a Refugee
by Daniela Kengeta
Daniela’s lyrically written memoir details her initial struggles to learn a new language and adapt to a new culture, but then how she came into her own to help other young women life their voices.
A Day in the Life of
by Ermyas Gebre
Ermyas shares a story of family misunderstandings and finding a new perspective after a scare. He also describes his efforts to continue his education against great odds.
An Unhealed Wound
by Adassa Jemima
Jemima’s heartfelt memoir dives deep into her unrelenting sadness after losing her father years ago, the family member who held a very special place in her life.
A Boy Who Didn’t Like School but Liked it in the End
by Luckson Bashagaluke
Luckson shares two stories, one true and the other a little less so, about growing up and learning some life lessons the hard way.
Bad Teacher
by Kevin Mugisho
Kevin shares the story of a cousin who came to live with his family and the impact and influence her struggles had on his life.
The Evil Cause of My Being a Refugee
by Dieu-Donne Kavumu Rusagara
Dieu-Donne describes the internal strife that afflicted his village and his family that led to them having to seek refuge in Uganda and his quest to complete his education in a new country.
When You are Poor Don’t Steal, Pray to God and Work Hard
by Niyonizeye Francine
Niyonizeye’s sweet book explains how she and her family arrived in Uganda with nothing but through the hard work of her mother she has been able to thrive.
My Hard Work Towards Success
by Mokisa Esther
Esther’s offers us a detailed account of her early days in South Sudan through her family’s settlement in Nakivale. She shares lessons she has learned along the way and glimpses of her daily life now.
Hope in the Face of Misery
by Durkheim-Kuzanwa Felicien
Durkheim shares two stories about the choices we face about how we wish to move forward in life. When faced with injustice do we take action? Do we embrace opportunities when they arise?
Time Talks with Actions & When I was Born
by Ketya Chishesa
Ketya’s two stories detail her complicated early years navigating family bias, and the importance she and her parents put on education and her efforts to help a friend complete her schooling as well.
The Story About My Life
by Huruma Jenifa
Jenifa’s delightful memoir describes a time when she learned an important lesson from her loving mother about considering other people’s needs, not just your own, and the importance of sharing.
Story of My Life
by Aimable Penge
Aimable shares her difficult story of forging a life on her own after losing both of her parents, fleeing her home country, and being cast out by her relatives. But she continues to work hard to make a life for herself and pay for her education.
Hard Times Unleash Human Potential
by Kakule Ori
Ori’s story follows his journey from fleeing violence in his home country with his family to attending school in Nakivale but going hungry each day. Instead of giving up he uses his artistic talents to earn money for food and continues his studies.
My First Day to Reach at N.T.B.F.
by Rachel Ngabire
Rachel’s memoir about her first day at a new school reminds us of the life-changing power of one really good friend.
It’s a Dark Journey to Tell, but Soon the Sun will Rise Again
by Kahamire Esther
Esther’s multi-faceted memoir contains both poetry and prose and explores her experiences of gaining and losing family members, pursuing her education, and the balm she has found in religion.
A Friend of Mine
by Patience
Patience’s memoir is a detailed account of a tumultuous friendship that resulted in illness, confusion, and intrigue before coming to a place of understanding with the help of another girl.
A Twist of Fates
by Tolobert El-Strategiste
Tolobert shares a few stories that detail different turning points in his journey of finding and pursuing his dreams, navigating the ups and downs of school and finding a path forward that combines his dreams and his reality.
A Mother’s Legacy
by Moise-Samalombo George
Moise’s powerful illustrating style helps tell the story of the lessons passed on by a mother to her children.
My Story is About Me
by Niyomwengeri Betty
Betty’s sweet story tells of a time she was playing with a friend when she was suddenly chased by a strange dog and the lessons she learned that day.
Unexpected Moment & Me
by Fildaus
Fildaus shares two stories, one detailing a difficult rupture in her family and another explaining her artistic dreams for the future.
What We Grow Through
by Yisa Bahige
Yisa examines how dreams change once young people are forced to flee their home and the life education one acquires coming of age in a refugee settlement.
Day of the Week
by King Veraign
King takes the reader inside his average week working, making music, performing, and taking care of his family in Nakivale.
What Took Me Far
by Medi Obang
Medi’s memoir shows the reader the importance of never giving up hope. Dreams may change but holding on to your hope and working hard can get you far in life, no matter the circumstances.
The Truth behind Positive Thinking
by Kimpaye Adrine
Adrine details all of the different ways she has managed to continue with her studies even though her mother struggled to pay the fees and the importance of always keeping a positive mindset.
The Hidden Smile
by Sunshine
Sunshine’s memoir explains some of the ups and downs of living in Nakivale, the people who come from so many different backgrounds but thrive together, and her love of music, drama, and dance.
Sarah Suffers From Cholera
by Uwiringiye Nicole
Nicole shares valuable lessons about the importance of personal hygiene and handwashing through her story about a friend who contracted cholera.
Never Depend on Someone
by Lucie
Lucie’s memoir is a difficult story of loss. She describes her efforts to navigate day-to-day life, make sense of the conflicting advice she hears from friend, and forge a path forward for herself after the death of a parent.
My Story in Nakivale
by Moonlight
In his memoir Moonlight shares how he had to stop attending school after P.7 because he and his siblings did not have money for school fees. But he continues to develop his artistic talents through attendance at art classes.
Don’t Wait to be Late
by Ibrahim Kausi
Ibrahim’s imaginative story describes the very different paths taken by two brothers, the diverse ways they each interpret advice from their mother, and how their fates are intertwined.
Don’t Despise Me Because You Don’t Know Me
by Daniel Bahati
Daniel’s story imagines a future where his family and friends come to appreciate his unique artistic talents once he finds success in Uganda and beyond.
Every Dog Has Its 40th Day
by INNOSPYKES
INNOSPYKES tells us his story of making a decision to break the rules at school by having his phone with him, and the difficult repercussions when he is inevitably caught.