Country of Origin: Uganda

Main Focus: Democracy, Human Rights, Migrant rights in Canada

Follow on: kisitu.org

Meet Samuel Kisitu, an activist in exile from Uganda, who fled to Canada in 2019. Born in Luwero, Uganda, Samuel's life has been marked by the trauma and legacy of the Bush War that brought President Museveni to power. His family's involvement in the war, particularly his grandfather's and father's contributions, left an indelible impact, including the murder of his uncle, Lubwama Livingstone. Samuel recounts his struggles in Uganda, from running for political office to facing economic hardship and joblessness in a country ravaged by monetized politics and youth unemployment.

Upon arriving in Canada, Samuel embraced his new reality, adopting the name 'Free Man' to symbolize his newfound safety and freedom. He quickly immersed himself in advocacy work, joining the Jane and Finch Action Against Poverty and engaging with the People Power Movement, Canada Chapter. Samuel's efforts in Canada include raising awareness about various social issues, particularly those affecting the Ugandan and broader African communities, such as immigration challenges, housing crises, and job insecurity.

Samuel's advocacy extends to the mainstream media, where he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the stories of marginalized communities are heard. His collaboration with media outlets like the Toronto Star and CBC News has brought attention to issues such as the overcrowding of buses during the COVID-19 pandemic and the exploitation of temporary agency workers. Despite facing personal challenges, including homelessness and job loss, Samuel remains steadfast in his mission to break cycles of trauma and poverty. Throughout his journey, Samuel has fostered connections with fellow activists and community members, continuously voicing the concerns of oppressed people back home in Uganda.

His work with the Free Bobby Wine campaign is a testament to his commitment to justice and human rights. Samuel's story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication to advocacy, highlighting the importance of confronting historical injustices and fighting for a more equitable future.