Ugandan footballer Lumala Abdu has transitioned from sports hero to humanitarian champion through the establishment of his non-governmental organization, Lumala Abdu Youth Impact (LAYI). According to Bryan Morel Publications, this bold move is inspired by Lumala’s personal experiences as a refugee in Uganda and Sweden. Now, he is leveraging his platform to uplift and inspire refugee communities and vulnerable youth.
Who is Lumala Abdu?
Lumala Abdu is a celebrated Ugandan professional footballer known for his impressive career both locally and internationally. Born to a family with Congolese roots, he overcame the challenges of displacement, living as a refugee in Uganda and later in Sweden. Lumala’s football journey saw him rise to prominence through his dynamic playing style, earning recognition in the top European leagues. His experiences as a refugee shaped his passion for giving back, ultimately leading him to establish the Lumala-Abdu Youth Impact (LAYI) foundation, which focuses on empowering displaced and marginalized youth through sports and mentorship.
What did Lumala Abdu do during the outreach at the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement?
Lumala and his team recently conducted a community outreach at Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Kukube district. The initiative engaged youth aged 10-25, a demographic carefully selected based on community assessments identifying urgent needs. The outreach focused on mentorship, sports-driven empowerment, and essential provision. Lumala emphasized his commitment to long-term engagement and called on athletes, public figures, and institutions to join hands in humanitarian efforts.
Collaborations and Game Connect Intervention
LAYI collaborated with key organizations, including Kyarimpa Cares, AVSI Foundation, Right to Play, Youth Sport Uganda, Uganda Olympic Committee, and UNHCR. With the support of the Olympic Refuge Foundation, they implemented the Game Connect program—a sports-based mental health intervention aimed at supporting 16,500 refugee and host community youth in Kyangwali and later in Pagirinya Refugee Settlement, Adjumani District.
The visit focuses on enhancing psychosocial resilience and providing mental health support through structured sports activities. During the outreach, sports kits, including jerseys, boots, cones, and balls, were donated to aspiring young footballers. Lumala personally led training sessions and friendly matches, sharing his inspiring journey from refugee to professional footballer.
What does Lumala Abdu say about his new venture?
The humanitarian work Lumala Abdu is doing comes at a crucial time as Uganda faces an influx of displaced individuals due to ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His personal connection to the cause runs deep, with his father believed to have Congolese roots.
Reflecting on his journey, Lumala shared:
“I know what it feels like to be lost, alone, and struggling to find a place in the world. Football saved me, but not everyone gets that chance. That’s why I started LAYI—to give hope and opportunity to the next generation. Please join us. With nothing, little or everything.”
During the event, structured sports activities such as the Goal Celebration Game promoted a sense of belonging, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Youth participants shared their personal experiences and challenges, fostering a sense of unity and support. The day concluded with a friendly football match between Manson and Angel Teams, bringing together youth from Rwenyawawa and Munsisa B villages.
What you need to know about Kyangwali Refugee Settlement
Situated in western Uganda, Kyangwali Refugee Settlement is one of the country’s largest refugee-hosting communities, accommodating 144,521 refugees as of December 2024. Youth aged 15-24 make up 18% of this population.
What is the Mission and Vision of Lumala Abdu Youth Impact (LAYI)?
Founded in 2024, Lumala Abdu Youth Impact (LAYI) is driven by the belief in the transformative power of sports for displaced and marginalized youth. The organization’s mission focuses on:
- Mentorship and Career Guidance: Providing refugee youth with the guidance they need to navigate life’s challenges.
- Enhanced Psychosocial Coping Skills: Using structured sports activities to build resilience.
- Strengthening Social Support Networks: Fostering inclusion and mental well-being.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy: Promoting sports as a viable mental health intervention.
Addressing Critical Challenges
Kyangwali faces numerous challenges as a refugee settlement, including limited access to land and productive resources exacerbated by food ration cuts by the World Food Programme. Refugee youth confront additional hurdles such as:
- Limited access to decent playgrounds and sports facilities.
- Lack of essential sports equipment, including balls, jerseys, and shoes.
- Poverty, limited access to education, and skills training.
- High rates of abuse and exploitation.
Broader Impact and Significance
Educational Support: Studies indicate that 70% of children in underserved Ugandan communities lack basic school supplies, significantly affecting academic performance. LAYI aims to bridge this gap by providing educational resources.
Food Security: With over 40% of widowed women in Uganda facing food insecurity, LAYI’s initiatives directly improve living conditions.
Sports Development: Football remains a strong pillar for youth development. By providing sports kits and fostering structured activities, LAYI nurtures talent, discipline, and career opportunities.
Lumala Abdu is calling on fellow athletes, corporate organizations, NGOs, media, and the international community to rally behind refugee communities. His story is a testament to resilience and the transformative impact one individual can have.
“If we invest in goodwill and corporate social responsibility, we can create a brighter future for the youth in these communities,” Lumala urged.
By turning his challenges into a mission for change, Lumala Abdu is proving that football is more than just a game—it’s a vehicle for hope, empowerment, and transformation.
For more information about Lumala Abdu Youth Impact (LAYI), please contact:
BM Publications Website: www.bmpublications.net
Phone: +256 414 673 984 (Available on WhatsApp)
