“We had searched everywhere. We had almost lost hope.”
For months, twelve-year-old Mutesi’s family lived through every parent’s worst nightmare—not knowing where their daughter was. Living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District, Mutesi disappeared without warning. Her family searched tirelessly, reported her missing to local authorities, broadcast messages on community radio stations, and asked neighbours and friends for help. Every lead ended in disappointment, and as the weeks turned into months, hope slowly began to fade
What they did not know was that Mutesi had been taken hundreds of kilometres away to Mpigi District, where she was being exploited as a domestic worker. Far from home and separated from everyone she knew, her childhood had been replaced by work. Her situation came to light after police intervened and removed her from domestic labour. To ensure her immediate safety, she was placed with a trained emergency foster family while Child’s i Foundation’s social workers began the difficult task of finding where she truly belonged. Finding Mutesi’s family was not easy. She spoke primarily Kinyarwanda, had travelled across districts, and the information available was limited. Working alongside the District Probation and Social Welfare Officer in Isingiro, Child’s i Foundation carefully pieced together her story, eventually tracing her family to Nakivale Refugee Settlement. When the team finally arrived at the family’s home, months of uncertainty came to an end.
The moment Mutesi’s mother saw her daughter, she broke down in tears. No words could capture the relief, joy and overwhelming emotion of that reunion. The family shared that they had never stopped searching. They had reported her disappearance, appealed through local radio stations and reached out across their community, refusing to give up hope despite months of silence. Against all odds, their daughter had finally come home.
But bringing Mutesi home was only the beginning.
Before reunification could take place, Child’s i Foundation carried out a comprehensive family assessment to ensure the home was safe and that appropriate support was in place. Working closely with the District Probation and Social Welfare Officer, the team developed a reintegration plan focused on Mutesi’s protection, emotional wellbeing, education and long-term recovery.
Responsibility for ongoing follow-up was formally transferred to the local child protection team, ensuring that Mutesi continues to receive psychosocial support and that her family remains connected to services within their community.
Mutesi’s story reminds us that family separation does not have to be permanent.
With strong child protection systems, effective collaboration between government and community services, and timely intervention, children can be protected from exploitation and safely reunited with the people who love them most.
At Child’s i Foundation, we believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving family. When separation does occur, every effort should be made to reunite children safely, restore hope and strengthen families so they can thrive together.
Today, Mutesi is no longer defined by the months she spent away from home. She is back where she belongs, surrounded by the love of her family, rebuilding her childhood, returning to school, and looking forward to a future filled with hope.
