A Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Impact
In the heart of Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, amidst the struggles of displacement and uncertainty, a vision was born—a vision to transform lives, restore hope, and empower the most vulnerable. Blessed to Bless Life Ministries is more than just an organization; it is a story of resilience, faith, and the unwavering belief that even in the face of adversity, change is possible.
The Beginning: A Young Refugee’s Dream to Give Back
Blessed to Bless Life Ministries was founded by Iraguha Jure Castro, a Congolese refugee who, like many others, had experienced the devastating effects of war, loss, and forced migration. Fleeing his homeland, he arrived in Uganda with little more than determination and the hope that his struggles could be transformed into something meaningful.
The journey was never easy. Being a refugee meant facing daily struggles—hunger, lack of education, uncertainty about the future—but it also planted a deep conviction in my heart: that despite my challenges, I was blessed, and I had the responsibility to be a blessing to others.
At the time, I was fortunate to receive support from three willing sponsors—people who believed in my potential and wanted to see me succeed. One of them became more than just a sponsor; he became a mentor, guiding me through my educational journey and even helping to facilitate part of my living expenses when I reached the advanced level of my studies.
The Gold Mines and the Birth of a Vision
Before starting Blessed to Bless Life Ministries, I worked in the gold mines of Central Uganda (Mubende), where I was able to earn some money. This period of my life was physically demanding, yet it taught me resilience, hard work, and the importance of financial independence.
As I reflected on my journey—from fleeing my homeland to struggling for survival to finally being able to support myself—I realized something profound: I was truly blessed, and my purpose was to bless others. This realization became the foundation of the organization’s name: Blessed to Bless Life Ministries.
Humble Beginnings in Mubende
Before Blessed to Bless Life Ministries became an official organization, I started doing charity work informally in Mubende. My initial focus was on a small group of children who needed help. These children were not even registered under any program, and at the time, I had no structure, no office, and no long-term plan—I just helped in whatever way I could.
Unlike many organizations that document their impact, I never took pictures, kept records, or shared my work on social media. It was not about recognition or publicity; I simply wanted to make a difference in their lives. However, this lack of documentation made it difficult to track progress or attract support from others who might have wanted to contribute.
Challenges Along the Way
Starting an organization, especially as a refugee, came with overwhelming challenges:
- Lack of Funding – With no external financial support, I used whatever little I had earned from the gold mines to fund my activities. The money was never enough, and at times, I had to choose between my own survival and continuing the charity work.
- No Office or Infrastructure – There was no official space to operate from. I worked in makeshift locations, often holding discussions with the children under trees or in open fields.
- Lack of Community Trust – Many people doubted my intentions. Some thought I was seeking personal gain, while others believed an unregistered refugee-led initiative could not succeed.
- No Official Recognition – Without documentation or legal status, it was impossible to collaborate with established organizations or attract donors.
- Limited Support System – I was largely working alone, without a team to help me expand the initiative. This made it exhausting and difficult to scale up my efforts.
- Balancing Education and Charity Work – As a student, I had to divide my time between school and my humanitarian work, which was both mentally and physically draining.
The Turning Point: Arriving in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement
After completing my studies, my sponsors introduced me to several humanitarian projects they were running in Uganda, including in Mityana, Busia, and Bidibidi Refugee Settlement. They engaged me in Bidibidi, where I gained firsthand experience working with structured organizations.
Then, an opportunity came: I was asked if I would take on the responsibility of leading a new branch in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. They not only trusted me with this task but also provided all the initial funding required to set up operations, facilitate community outreach, and lay the foundation for what would later become Blessed to Bless Life Ministries.
Building a Community: The Role of Refugee and Ugandan Youth
Upon reaching Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, I knew I couldn’t do it alone. I needed a strong, committed team that shared my vision. I began by mobilizing both refugees and Ugandan citizens, forming a youth group that would play a crucial role in shaping the organization.
The group was open to anyone willing to join, and while members were encouraged to contribute towards office supplies and other needs, contributions were voluntary. Some of the members, despite having very little, still found ways to support the movement—whether financially or through their skills and time.
This team became the backbone of the organization. Together, we began outreach programs, child registration, and community engagement, and for the first time, I started documenting our activities, learning the importance of reports, social media, and networking with other organizations.
Our Impact Today
Today, Blessed to Bless Life Ministries is making a difference in the lives of hundreds of refugee children, youth, and families. Our key focus areas include:
1. Youth Empowerment and Livelihood Support
We train and equip young refugees with vocational skills, entrepreneurship knowledge, and career guidance to help them build a sustainable future.
2. Child Protection and Education
We advocate for the education and well-being of refugee children, ensuring they have access to school, mentorship, and emotional support.
3. Faith-Based Outreach and Social Transformation
Through Disciple Making Movement (DMM) and Glory of Virginity Movement, we encourage spiritual growth and moral values among young people.
4. Humanitarian Support and Community Development
We provide clothing, food, and essential aid to vulnerable refugees, including orphans, persons with disabilities, and street children.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Hope
We have come a long way, but this is just the beginning. Our goal is to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and build a sustainable future for refugees in Kyaka II and beyond.
We invite you to join us in this mission—as a supporter, volunteer, or donor. Together, we can continue to be the blessing that changes lives.