Kasozi: The Redemptive Journey of a Ugandan Genocide Survivor

By Ruth Marie Hamill and Robert Kasozi

The true story of Kasozi, an African village boy who gets separated from his family in the heart of a civil war, survives in a papyrus swamp, and is enslaved by government soldiers. He miraculously finds his way home, only to discover he still must face his inner demons. 

Kasozi is a captivating real-life journey. It will giv

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Feb 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685560058

Ruth Marie Hamill

Ruth Marie Hamill is a creative wife, mother/stepmother, and grandmother. She has written several children's books, and, upon hearing Robert's story, she knew it had to be told. Now, after twenty years, and with the help of Robert, many friends, her husband, writer's guild, and God, the story is written so others may be encouraged and blessed by it.

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The redemptive journey of a ugandan genocide survivor

Ruth Marie Hamill

with Robert Kasozi

Trilogy Christian Publishers

TUSTIN, CA

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive

Tustin, CA 92780

Kasozi

Copyright © 2021 by Ruth Marie Hamill and Robert Kasozi

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Public domain. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.TM Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without written permission from the author. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Trilogy Christian Publishing/TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

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For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Manufactured in the United States of America

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 978-1-68556-004-1

E-ISBN: 978-1-68556-005-8

Dedication

To my husband, J. Stephen Hamill.

—Ruth Marie Hamill

To my wife, Robina Kasozi.

—Robert Kasozi

Disclaimer

Please note that this book was written in a creative non-fiction style. While the story is true in every situation, the first-person narrative and conversations may not be exact. This book does represent Robert Kasozi’s life as it really happened.

The author, Ruth Marie Hamill

Acknowledgments

I am eternally grateful to Mama Rose, Papa Ron and Mama Shirley DeVore, Ed and Marcy Pohlreich, Pastors Steven and Cissy Mayanja, Pastor Stephen and Sara Kaweesa, Masulita Worship Center and Kawempe Worship Center, Pastor Joe Parker, Kristin Parker Sawyer, Pastor Gordon Banks, Tom and Cindy Pierson, Stephen and Ruth Hamill, Shelly and Dwight Pauls, my wife Robina Kasozi, and the many other wonderful people who have so richly blessed my life. And most of all, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, to whom I owe my all.

—Robert Kasozi

I am indebted to my amazing writers guilds for all their help and encouragement; my family for their patience; Janet, Jamie, Sandy, Sue, Lorena, Lezlie, and Trisha for their help in proofreading and editing; Robert Kasozi for his vulnerability and honesty; my husband for his fortitude, professional help, and editing; and most of all for Jesus Christ, for without Him there would be no story to tell.

—Ruth Marie Hamill

Endorsements

Ron and I took our first trip to Uganda in 1987; by 1989, we had built our home from a shipping container. We needed someone to help us. God brought us that help in 1994; his name was Robert. We soon loved him as a son.

Little did we know what God had planned for this wonderful Ugandan man. Robert was young in the Lord but desired to know the Word of God. He was active in everything our church did. Papa Ron helped him go to Bible college, where we were so blessed to see him mature into a mighty man of God. We rejoiced when God blessed him with a beautiful, godly helpmate that would be able to walk beside him wherever God led.

As you read this book, you will see the miracles that kept Robert alive and led him to the saving power of Jesus Christ. Our amazing God can take us from the pit of despair and make us vessels of honor. I am so proud to play a part in God’s master plan; I cannot wait to see the rest of their story. God is not finished yet.

—Shirley DeVore

Co-founder WOMF Uganda, Africa

Robert Kazosi has a kind and gentle heart yet is filled with courage and faith. When I first met Robert in 1997, he was fresh out of Bible college and newly married. I immediately knew this was a relationship ordained by the Holy Spirit. I felt the Lord tell me, along with New Heart Worship Center, to become involved in and support the work God had planned for him and his wife, Robina. I thank God for that great opportunity. Pastor Robert now oversees over 300 churches, a Bible college, and numerous schools. God has raised him from the depths of poverty and civil war to being a great pastor, leader, and influencer. The story that is told in this book is breathtaking. You will see God’s hand orchestrating every move in Robert’s life. It is truly a miracle that is still being written.

—Pastor Joe Parker

Retired Founder of New Heart Worship Center

A deeply moving account of a man of immense faith whom God has gifted with the heart and skillset honed within the crucible of struggle to bring forth a dynamic ministry that impacts Uganda and beyond. Every great person encounters intense trials. Kasozi (Robert) encountered his at the early age of ten. Yet, from that baptism of fire, Robert more than survived. He has made a difference in the lives of countless people by establishing churches, schools, medical centers, businesses, and more to impart the love of God to people that need to find hope and purpose.

I cannot help but compare the experience of Robert to another great leader brought forth from the bulrushes, Moses. Both were drawn out of the water to bring deliverance. Both were leaders through tumultuous times. Both led their charges to the Promised Land.

I have been blessed to be able to see with my own eyes some of the results of Robert’s tenacious love of the Lord. In reading this wonderful account of his life, I discovered the backstory that made what I experienced so much more meaningful.

While what Robert accomplished is amazing, of greatest importance is that the man presented in this book has a heart of the purest nature. He is respected, honored, and loved by many. The outgrowth of what he did is rooted deeply in his inner being that is continually bathed by the Holy Spirit. Frankly, this is refreshing.

I believe you will be refreshed too.

—Curtis L. Miller, Pastor

New Hope Christian Fellowship

newhopevv.com

I was privileged to first meet Pastor Robert in October 1999, on a mission trip with a group from New Heart Worship Center in Seattle. From day one, I truly liked this guy. Masulita Worship Center was not his first city choice to plant a church, but that’s where God said to go. I knew exactly what he felt. I never wanted to go to North Pole, Alaska, but that is what God said to do!

Over the years, we all were able to see why God sent Robert there. I’ve spent a lot of time with Robert, both in Uganda and Alaska. I thought I’d heard all his testimony—until I read Kasozi! After reading this book, I truly gained an even deeper appreciation for him. You understand when the Bible says in Romans 8:28 (NLT), And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.

This is a book summed up in one word…purpose! There is purpose in the saving grace of Jesus. Kasozi means small mountain, but even small mountains help create great views!

—Pastor Darryl Carnley

Founder of North Pole Worship Center in North Pole, Alaska

Founder of The My 360 Project, a humanitarian shoe organization

Kasozi is a captivating real-life journey. It will give you everything a great read provides. The book will escort you through the fear and intrigue that comes with vulnerability while simultaneously stirring your heart to have the faith that God does miracles.

Kasozi is a power punch that encourages you to overcome. It’s a winner, a first choice, must-read, can’t put it down champion.

—Pastor Gordon Banks

Senior Pastor Overcomer Covenant Church

Auburn, Washington

Kasozi is a great book. Robert Kasozi and his wife, Robina, are dear friends of mine. I met Robert in 1996, on my first trip of ten to Seguku Worship Center with Papa Ron, Mama Shirley, and Steven and Cissy Mayanja. I have laughed with them, cried with them, and ministered with them. This book is a compelling story of a boy that survived war, torture, abuse, loss, trauma, and more. His story tells of how God took a little boy and made him a great leader and man of God. It is a story of God’s grace and love in the midst of a world full of hate and sin. It is a story of Uganda and its beautiful people. May Kasozi touch your heart! God’s love never fails!

—Dr. Dan C. Hammer

Senior Apostolic Leader

Sonrise Christian Center

SEND Network, Founder

Seattle Bible College, President

Everett, Washington

The first half of this book depicts a riveting story about Robert Kasozi as a boy caught in the middle of the Ugandan Civil War. The second half unfolds a healing process made possible only after he finds Jesus as his Savior. Forgiveness is not easy…but the cost of unforgiveness is much higher. Kasozi’s life continues with unusual favor from God in ministry adventures, along with trials common to man. I am free because I forgave, and because I forgave, I learned how to live in a way I never would have without the hard times in my life. Through the author’s stylistic detail, the reader will be caught up in the primitive village life of Uganda, enjoying the sights, smells, emotions, fears, and traditions of Africa. This book is not for the faint-hearted, but Robert Kasozi’s life testimony will definitely bless and strengthen your soul.

—Dr. Brian and Lorena Wood

Iris Ministries missionaries

Transforming Life Ministries

Former church planters and pastors

There is no better illustration of God’s ability to partner with us in this world than Kasozi. This book demonstrates how the power of God can use one person to impact individuals, villages, and even nations. It is a story of epic proportions, showing God’s greatness and inspiring each of us in our own walk.

—Tom Pierson

Contents

Introduction xiii

Part 1. 1971 to 1994 1

Chapter 1. Kasozi 3

Chapter 2. Life in Masulita 14

Chapter 3. The Beginning of the End 28

Chapter 4. Refugees 36

Chapter 5. On the Run to the Swamp 51

Chapter 6. Tricked 67

Chapter 7. Life in the Detach 72

Chapter 8. Rose 85

Part 2. 1985 to 1994 99

Chapter 9. Seguku 101

Chapter 10. A New Beginning 112

Part 3. 1994 to 2016 127

Chapter 11. Mzungus 129

Chapter 12. Robina 141

Chapter 13. To America 156

Part 4. 1998 to 2010 173

Chapter 14. Masulita, Uganda 175

Chapter 15. Growth 185

Chapter 16. Miracles/Struggles 200

Part 5. 2011 to Present 227

Chapter 17. Kaweesa and the Team 229

Chapter 18. The States 248

Chapter 19. Restoration 260

Chapter 20. Back Home 269

Epilogue 274

Notes 276

About the Authors 278

Introduction

Having no idea what I was getting into, I followed a group of Americans across a field in the Ugandan village of Masulita. Once there, I was unimpressed at what I saw. On the ground was a cement structure with a hinged wooden door on the top. The white paint was peeling, and I wondered what was so important under the door. What is this? I asked the person beside me. Bones, she said.

I watched as Robert Kasozi lifted the lid. The group was silent as, one by one, we walked past a two-foot opening and looked down into a dark hole filled with bleached human bones. I gasped, wondering why so many people had been put into this nameless mass grave and who they were. Then I began to ask questions.

The answers to my questions led me to Robert’s story. Upon hearing it, I knew the world needed to hear his story. The year was 1999, and Robert and I lived worlds away from each other. But I was driven. Finally, after over twenty years, many tears, prayers, additions, and revisions, it is done. Well, almost. There will be much more to say in the future as Robert is a person who changes the world around him.

My goal in writing Kasozi is for others to be inspired, encouraged, and uplifted by what one young man of no consequence, who seemed to have the whole world against him, can accomplish. That is, with the love and help of family, friends, strangers, and God. Perhaps Kasozi may even change your life. I know it did mine.

Ruth Marie Hamill

Part 1

1971 to 1994

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Romans 8:28-29 (NIV)

Chapter 1

Kasozi

1981

Towering papyrus reeds cracked and split as I crawled through the dense swamp. Feeling crazed and too afraid to stop, I pushed on, fleeing for my life. Gunfire popped sporadically in the distance as I fled towards the hiding places of a desperate group of villagers, who, like me, were using the papyrus swamp as a refuge. In my panic, I barely noticed my torn and bare knees, hands, and feet. My thoughts were not on the disease-ridden mosquitoes and tsetse flies, poisonous snakes, or the other dangers the swamp held, and I tried to ignore the bloated corpses floating in the murky water I crawled past as I plunged deeper into the swamp. My only hope was that the soldiers who were trying to kill me were too afraid to enter this dense, putrid death trap. Desperate to survive, I waded deeper into the swamp. Before long, swamp slime covered most of my body, making me look more like a hideous swamp creature than a ten-year-old Ugandan boy. In my worst nightmares, I could not have imagined that I would call this treacherous sanctuary home for the next two and a half years.

1971 to 1980

Born on April 5, 1971, to Mr. and Mrs. Musisi, I was the second born of four children. Following my sister Betty, I was grandly welcomed as it pleased my father to now have a son. Idi Amin became the leader of Uganda the year I was born, but it mattered very little to me until I was older. Soon after my birth, my brothers Michael and Ronald came along. Although we were a poor family, my parents took good care of us and loved us very much. We always had food in our stomachs, at least one outfit of clothes to wear, and most often, had the fees to go to school.

Like most Ugandans, my parents kept my umbilical cord to be used by the witch doctor at my naming ceremony, called Kwalula Abaana. It was a big day as my father and his clan gathered around me while the witch doctor held the ceremony in my honor. We will name him Kasozi, they decided. Kasozi is a typical Ugandan clan name, which in my language means a mountain or hill. The name was accepted by all, including my mother and her family. This was my first rite of passage, although I was too young to remember.

Most Africans, including my parents, are very religious, and it is common for us to combine religions. As a result, besides the traditional African indigenous religion, my parents claimed two other religions: my mother was a Roman Catholic, and my father belonged to an Anglican Church. Mom wanted to give me a second name after a Catholic saint, and Father’s church required babies be given a western name at infant baptism. As a result, my parents gave me two other names, John and Robert. Mother was the only one who called me Robert, and the name John did not stick; most people called me Kasozi.

Living in the suburb of Seguku on the southern outskirts of the capital city of Kampala, in the East African country of Uganda, my parents missed the small village life of Masulita where they had grown up, one hour north from Seguku. Several family members still lived there, including my father’s parents. Grandfather had bought land there when he was a young man. He and Grandmother still lived there, so it became the place we all called home, even when we did not live there.

While still a village, Seguku was busy and more expensive than Masulita, being near the metropolitan city of Kampala. Although they were not as connected with family or friends as they would be in Masulita, my parents were able to make more money there. Life was good for me, but we were always barely scraping by financially. I had a few friends, but my parents did not feel good about letting us children run around as freely as they had when they were children. City life was just not as safe.

When it was time for us to go to school (which is not free in Uganda), my parents struggled to raise the money to pay our school fees. Somehow, they always found a way. During school breaks, our parents took us to our grandparents’ home in Masulita, so we could spend time with them and experience village life. It also allowed my parents more time to work. These visits were important to Grandmother because family meant everything to her. You bring those children to me during school break, Grandmother told Mother. It is good for them to be in the village, and I miss them when they’re gone. Besides, it will give you time to earn a little extra money. My grandmother was a wonderful woman, and I loved her almost as much as she loved me and my siblings. I eagerly looked forward to my time with her and my grandfather during those school breaks.

We were excited when one day my parents told us important news. We have decided to move back to Masulita, Father said. We have worked extra hard saving every penny, and now we have enough to buy some land. After much searching, they found the perfect lot near my grandparents and bought it. Our goal is to save money to build a house as soon as possible, he told us. They were not sure when that move would take place, but I looked forward to it.

Soon after our parents told us about our upcoming move, their plan was set in motion. I was almost ten years of age and about to go on school break when my parents came to Betty, Michael, and me with another plan. We are going to take you three older children to Masulita to live with Grandmother and Grandfather until we can save enough money to build our home there, then we will all move to Masulita and be together, they told us. With you older children there, Mother and I will be able to work more hours and save more money so we can move to Masulita sooner.

My youngest brother, Ronald, would stay in Seguku with my parents. I accepted my parents’ plan without questioning; in fact, I was excited about it. Now all my parents had to do was come up with the money for all of us to ride on a matatu (minibus taxi) to the village. With more excitement than fear, I prepared to temporarily move away from my parents.

Get up, get up, my father called to us four children. Already awake, I hopped out of bed and eagerly washed up, dressed, and ate, ready for the day. Soon my family and I walked down the hill on the red dirt trail to the taxi stop. A large group of Ugandans, dressed in a mixture of traditional and Western clothing, had congregated. In typical African style, most were laughing, conversing, and greeting friends, though a few others quietly waited for their ride.

Then I heard and saw the taxi come roaring down the road. Behind it was a long trail of acrid black smoke. The noisy matatu sounded like there was more than one thing loose on it. As the rattling matatu pulled up near me, I was amazed to see that nothing had fallen off. When the brakes squealed to a full and jolting stop just past me, the front passenger door flew open. A young man hopped out and, with one fluid motion, pulled on the sliding door behind him with all his might. He stepped away and watched as a menagerie of brightly dressed Ugandans piled out. My family and I waited patiently as, one by one, they half-emptied the matatu.

After the dusty, dilapidated matatu was emptied of those who had arrived at their destination, the young man who had gotten out of the front passenger seat started barking directions to those of us who now planned on cramming in. Even at my young age, I marveled at how many were willing to trust their lives to this remnant of a minivan.

Up the step, careful. Over here with that bag. That goes on top, the man yelled to those who were climbing into the matatu. Instead of listening to the man, I was wide-eyed, staring at the top of the matatu, my surroundings, and the interior. Even this early in the morning, the matatu was jammed full