A former refugee and now a refugee rights advocate, 47-year-old chronicles his life’s trials and tribulations through the book titled Unlock the Mind and, as Geofrey Serugo writes, it highlights the plight of refugees, the sacrifices they make to integrate with citizens, and is an inspiration to those without hope.
On December 8 at Freedom City, Namasuba, Dr Bolingo launched his book to showcase his overcoming adversity and thriving during hard times. From running from insecurities in DR Congo to spending three months in police cells, to sleeping on the streets without water, food or shelter in Kampala. In his book, Bolingo said he even turned down an opportunity from UNHCR to relocate to the USA.
“I decided to stay and battle my challenges. Through the challenges, I am seeing the fruits, and people must learn to confront their challenges,” he said.
In line with changing people’s minds, Bolingo intends to establish a citizen diplomatic centre and equip them with various skills in tailoring for them to work for themselves and impact the world.
BACKGROUND
Studying was almost impossible as the situation worsened each day that passed by. In early 2000, his home village was attacked, but he managed to escape without anything to Bunagana, where he found a truck heading to Uganda, and that is how he entered Uganda.
He arrived in Kisoro town where he reported to the nearest police station and had his story recorded in their registry. At police, he was told the safest place for him at night was to join prisoners in the cell. He would spend the night with them and be out in the morning, as they would not allow him to hang outside during the night.
Rev George Mbonye later availed him of transport to Kampala. He spent one week at Central Police Station (CPS) cells before shifting to Old Kampala police station. In his book, Bolingo says he later went to UNHCR offices, where he was told that they don’t support refugees in urban areas.
Later, he met Fr Antony Musaala and Mary Serumaga and narrated his ordeal. They raised money and got him a house in Ndejje, off Entebbe road. While there, Bolingo founded the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), which acted as a transit centre for refugees but he later folded it due to financial difficulties.
That, however, did not deter him from founding several other initiatives to help stranded refugees through enlightening their them about self-belief. Through the years, he has used his experience to help change the mindsets of people. Speaking at the launch, Bolingo said Africans have the capacity to succeed if they have the right mindset.
“When you look at how we live, you will find that our minds are locked, and that is why you see our youth wanting to go abroad to end up in slavery. This book will unlock your mind because everything starts with your perception. We always yearn for opportunities, but we don’t want to face challenges. They forget that businesses are born out of challenges. Each time you run away from challenges, you are running away from businesses,” he said.
“When you look at our generation, I believe that the future of Africa is in the hands of youths, but every single day, they are processing travel documents to go abroad and end up in slavery. We can still make this continent a place where everyone wants to stay.”
In a bid to fight mental slavery, Bolingo advocates for revamping education systems that offer theories in practical classes that promote innovation and creativity.
“The current education system encourages memorization rather than creativity and innovation. I want to make sure that the education system changes so that students are given a question or a problem and think of solutions. When you think for yourself, you cease to be a slave,” he said.
“I also want to see that the church changes in its teachings because you find that our teachings encourage believers to beg. We need to empower people to start working because, when you work, you have everything you need. But when you start begging, you lose even the respect. Nobody will ever respect a beggar.”
Who is Bolingo?
He was born on April 1, 1976, in DR Congo. He completed primary school at Busumba PS and secondary school at Lycee Mapema. He continued his studies in Uganda at Cavendish University and holds an honorary doctorate in Christian mission from Zoe Theological College, USA.
From 2005 to date, he has worked with refugee organisations to promote their rights and freedoms. He has also mentored several people about self-belief and mindset change. Since April 2022 to date he has been working with Citizen For God’s Kingdom as the founder and representative.
inarticle} inarticle}