Building Paradise on Earth: Don Leonsyo’s Journey of Faith and Peace for Uganda
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,” ...
