Building Paradise on Earth: Don Leonsyo’s Journey of Faith and Peace for Uganda
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| Don Leonsyo Akena |
A priest born for others, a vocation forged in the suffering of a people and the sacrifice of many religious figures. This is the face of Father Leonsyo Akena, who has arrived in Italy—specifically at the Loppiano citadel of the Focolare Movement—to earn a degree from the Sophia University Institute in Dialogue, Peace, and Communication.
However, his dream goes far beyond academic study: he aims to lay the groundwork in Italy for a foundation that can support his Ugandan association, Pace Insieme Uganda (Peace Together Uganda). Today, the association cares for approximately 250 refugee children and has saved many more over the years.
Father Leonsyo comes from a country scarred by continuous conflict. “Since 1962,” he recounts, “nine presidents have succeeded one another, but none has brought lasting peace.” He grew up in a climate of war, and as a very young man, he faced the risk of being forced to take up arms.
“God illuminated my life with His Providence,” he remembers, “saving me and showing me the way, both for my vocation and my purpose.”
A fundamental turning point was his meeting with the Comboni Missionaries serving in his area. They welcomed, educated, and cared for him, just as they did for many other children. Their example, combined with the sacrifice of many among them—some killed in attacks during the 1990s—deeply marked young Leonsyo, who was ordained a priest in 2008.
“Even catechists were slaughtered,” he says, “and when these things happen, darkness falls upon the community. Children breathe in this fear.”
His diocese, Gulu, is located in northern Uganda, on the border with South Sudan. “Our tribe is the same as in South Sudan,” he explains, “but different borders and policies have generated misunderstandings and conflicts.” For him, political leaders, religious figures, and tribal chiefs must be brought to the same table to build peace.
Raised in a family where spirituality was already a cornerstone, Father Leonsyo understood that the Church is the most complete form of community: a space capable of generating fraternity, justice, equality, and peace, always with Christ as the ultimate reference.
“To reach my goal, I realized that education is fundamental. Knowledge opens the mind and the heart. I learned this from the Comboni Missionaries, and I want to give back what I have received.”
From this awareness, 18 years ago, the Pace Insieme Uganda project was born, offering activities, support, and a primary school for children. “I would like it to become a secondary school as well,” he confides.
His strength is rooted in faith. “My story is that of a man whom God loves dearly,” he says. “I cannot forget my friends killed by war, the poor, or those who suffer. But my vocation is a gift for me and for my people. I want to live among my people, working for universal peace.”
He expresses deep gratitude to his bishop, “a father who supports and encourages,” and looks toward the future: “I will not be eternal. I wish for someone to take up this path. The foundation is not being born just for financial aid, but to create community. Money does not bring peace; it often divides. I do not forget my role: I am a priest of God, called to lead souls to heaven. But I believe that Paradise can begin right here, when peace is achieved.”
To support Father Leonsyo and his initiative, you can write to:
By Antonio Degl’Innocenti
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