Douglas Akello - in 2019, 2022, and now!

Returning to the same places, trip after trip, gives us the joy of seeing the long-term impact of SIA programs. We first visited Douglas Akello in Aboke, Uganda, in 2019, a year after he received a $150 Small Business Fund grant and business training from our coordinator, Naomi Ayot. He started by growing maize and raising pigs, and with his profits, he was able to build a thatched home for himself and his grandmother, who raised him after he was orphaned as a baby. (“I really love her,” he told us this time, mentioning that when he was hungry, she cared enough to make sure he was fed.)

Douglas in front of his home in 2019.

2022: A new home

When we returned to Aboke in 2022, Douglas had also started a mobile photo studio, offering portraits at community events such as graduations. He would then ride his bike to the nearest city, Lira (which is three hours away in each direction!), to print the photos for clients. That year, we saw his new tin-roofed, cement-floored home that he had managed to build with his earnings. He told us his next goal was to save enough for a dowry to get married. 

Douglas's new home in 2022

2025: Plans for the future

When we saw Douglas yesterday, he introduced us to his new bride, Eunice, and his baby boy, Innocent! He has given the initial part of the dowry, which includes five goats, to Eunice’s family, and he is working hard to buy the third cow he promised them so they can officially marry. He believes his soybean harvest will provide the rest of the money he needs. 

Douglas, Eunice, Innocent, and one of the cows he will use for the dowry.

Douglas has always warmed our hearts with his infectious laugh and big smile, and seeing him play with his son was truly special. Douglas only attended school through seventh grade, and then was unable to continue because his English wasn’t good enough, and he didn’t have the money for the fees. He’s determined now that his son will be able to attend a good school.

Douglas appreciates the support from SIA, which helped boost his early efforts, and we’re very proud of everything he's accomplished since then!