Founder’s Story – Kosima Guloba

From Forgotten to Favored – A Life of Faith, Fire, and Purpose

My name is Kosima Guloba, founder of Sychar Healing Ministries, and this is not just my story — it’s the story of God’s grace, pain, survival, and purpose.

I was born on May 5th, 1992, in Kizuba Village, Namutumba District, Uganda. My life took a tragic turn early — both of my parents died in 1994 when I was just two years old. I grew up an orphan, raised by kind neighbors and strangers who offered what little they had. Hunger, rejection, and hardship were my daily companions.

My education journey was full of struggle. I started school at Kizuba Primary, but due to unpaid school fees, I moved from one school to another: Bubalya Orphanage School, Mpumiro Primary, Budunda, and back to Kizuba. Eventually, I was denied re-entry unless I cleared a previous balance. With nowhere left to go, I dropped out. At just 14, I felt hopeless and discouraged.

But in 2006, I walked into Discipleship Church. Pastor Zipora Kana preached a message that touched me deeply. That day, I gave my life to Christ. Pastor Zipora took me in and helped me return to school at Buhadyo Primary School in Butaleja District. This was the turning point in my life.

I later joined Busaba Seed Secondary School in 2009 and started working as a plasterer on construction sites to raise school fees. When Pastor Zipora couldn’t support me anymore, I transferred to Bugobi High School, where I completed Senior Four by working part-time jobs. I later studied Fashion, Tailoring, and Design at Excel Vocational Institute.

The Birth of Sychar Healing Ministries

In 2010, I founded Sychar Healing Ministries in Bunyanze Village, Kizuba Sub-County. Our village had no church and no school. I began gathering children, teaching them God’s word, and offering hope. My grandfather donated one hectare of land to build a school — a dream that turned into a mission.

On Christmas Day in 2016, I visited a man feeding orphans. When I looked at the food, it was filled with bones. He told me he couldn’t afford meat. That broke me. I remembered my own pain and made a vow: to serve the forgotten, feed the hungry, and be a father to the fatherless.

From the Village to the World

My close friend, Nehemiah Kyiwanuka, introduced me to Apostle Esther Nalule from the USA. She told me about the USA Rotary Program. I began applying in 2018, and on May 6th, 2023, I received the life-changing news — I had won the Rotary Program.

I fell to my knees and cried. Tears of pain, joy, and purpose. God had remembered me. On January 19th, 2024, I flew to the United States for the first time. Today, I am proud to be an American citizen, but my heart is still in Uganda. The mission continues.

“I may live in America, but my dream lives in Uganda.” – Kosima Guloba

A Dream That Lives On

For many Africans, especially Ugandans, going to America is more than a dream — it’s a symbol of hope and opportunity. But I didn’t come to escape Uganda. I came to find strength to rebuild it. I am working day and night to continue the work of Sychar Healing Ministries — to build, to serve, and to shine God’s light in forgotten places.

To God be the Glory. Amen.