Fleeing the Congo Wars:

Endless wars and strife around the world hurt innocent children, women, and the elderly the most.

Uganda is now host to over 1.5 million refugees and asylum-seekers. In 2022, 56% of refugees coming into Uganda were under the age of 18.

Mabele and De La Rose, two young boys fleeing rebel violence in the Congo found each other on the streets of Kampala and became “brothers.” While at a refugee camp in 2012, they met the renowned musician and refugee, Samite Mulondo. Through the power of music, he helps them give voice to their trauma and begin to heal

While there are countless stories about migrants, few focus on young unaccompanied minors who have been forced to flee rebel violence. Mabele and De La Rose are safe, creating new lives

together as “brothers'' in Washington State. However, the trauma lingers. Mabele’s search for his family continues, and De La Rose faces the postponement of his wedding in the Congo as rebel activity threatens his return.

The shared experience of Samite, De La Rose, and Mabele of overcoming unimaginable hardships and loss puts a human face on this unrelenting humanitarian crisis.