The CEO of GLOFORD Uganda, Dr. Morris Chris Ongom, has shared with this publication the long journey he undertook to successfully establish GLOFORD Uganda, which is now positively impacting the lives of many people, especially the youth.
According to Ongom, back in 2009, he was deeply engrossed in the global scope of his vision. However, he received support from a few friends who provided him with limited funds at the inception of GLOFORD Uganda.
Speaking to hundreds of youth gathered at the Lira City Council Hall for a youth conference, Ongom reflected on how he managed to balance his time between writing project proposals and dealing with the meager resources he had at the time, all while he was still employed by a national NGO before founding GLOFORD Uganda.
“Many of us should recognize that God is the source of all success,” emphasized Dr. Morris Chris Ongom, the CEO of GLOFORD Uganda, as he challenged young people to consider their legacy.
“In today’s world, it is unforgiving. If you attempt dishonesty, you will suffer the consequences. Therefore, the first step to success is to know your faith in God before pursuing any achievements in your life,” noted Ongom.
He encouraged individuals to contemplate how they want to be remembered. “Do you want to be remembered as a champion of negative actions, someone who causes harm, or someone whose life lacked purpose?”
Ongom then linked success to a biblical quotation from Luke 2:52, stating that “like Jesus, we should strive for continuous growth.” He urged people to recognize opportunities and make choices in life.
“That’s why I emphasize, as the first step, knowing God, praying to Him, and fulfilling the mission He has assigned to you. Many of us have not yet discovered our unique purpose from God,” Morris added.
“In Lango here, we don’t conform to the crowd; we stand out. I have been tested and proven. My aim is to empower you. I am a survivor of conflict because I never engaged in conflict, but rather, others confronted me,” he shared.
Ongom stressed the importance of utilizing time wisely, as it determines one’s financial success, wealth, and overall greatness. He questioned, “How did you use your time yesterday, and what will your week ahead look like?”
He encouraged individuals to be proactive and not waste time, even if it means enduring hunger. “A human being is a spiritual being, and if your spiritual well-being is compromised, you risk a life of despair.”
Ongom is recognized for initiating the youth parliament through GLOFORD in Lira, contributing to the positive transformation of street-connected children who have been counseled, rehabilitated, with over 50 being enrolled in school and several others reunited with their families. Many lives have been positively impacted through GLOFORD Uganda’s inclusive city projects.
However, Mr. Okello Denis Ogwol, Programs Manager at the Global Forum for Development (GLOFORD), acknowledged the leadership challenges, youth unemployment, and employability issues they face, which have driven them to become a hub for solutions.
He emphasized that the safety of the community cannot be assured unless the well-being of those on the streets is addressed.
Dr. Chris Ongom asserted that achieving a monthly income of 300,000 shillings already places a person in the middle-income bracket, and he encouraged youth to work diligently.
Ongom is among the few individuals who have significantly impacted society by providing employment opportunities for numerous youth through GLOFORD Uganda, particularly in Northern Uganda and beyond.
