Humans Of Uganda

"I'm Nasawali Leslie Phame Emmanuel, the founder of Humans Of Uganda. This is my story, a journey of personal growth and how a simple idea turned into something far greater than I could have ever imagined. Back in 2013, my dreams of joining university were shattered due to financial constraints. However, in December 2014, an opportunity came my way, and I found a job as a photo editor at a local studio. The job gave me solace, distancing me from the pressures at home and the disappointment of not pursuing higher education. Sadly, my joy was short-lived as I lost the job just two months later. It sent me spiraling into depression, a feeling of worthlessness engulfing me. I sought refuge in the online world, spending endless hours on social media, where I had connected with more people than in real life. As my struggles continued, I stumbled upon a 'Humans of New York' post shared by a friend on my Facebook feed one late night in 2015. Unable to view the photos or videos due to restricted access, I found myself captivated by the inspiring stories. I read through countless narratives until the early hours of the morning. The idea of talking to strangers, capturing their portraits, and sharing their stories on social media resonated deeply with me. Fueled by my passion for photography, the therapeutic nature of engaging with strangers, and my love for Uganda, I decided to create the project 'Humans of Uganda.' At the beginning, it was a personal endeavor to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and interact with people. The impact on my social life and the battle against social media addiction were profound, and I began to cherish these encounters. However, the true transformation of 'Humans Of Uganda' occurred when I received messages from followers on the Facebook page, questioning why there had been a pause in the posts. People shared how the stories had helped them cope during difficult times in their lives. #HumansOfUganda