In the wake of conflict, families are often torn apart, leaving loved ones in distress and uncertainty. This was the reality for Ezeideen Faiz, 27, and his younger brother Faisal, 23, refugees from Sudan. When war broke out, they fled their home, seeking safety in Uganda. However, amidst the chaos, they lost contact with their family, arriving in Uganda with no means of reconnecting with their loved ones back home.
Ezeideen and Faisal’s journey to Uganda was fraught with challenges. The brothers traveled from South Sudan, crossing into Uganda through the Elegu border. They arrived at the Nyumanzi collection point before eventually being relocated to Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement. During their journey, they lost their phones—their only link to their family. Despite memorizing their mother’s phone number, they had no way to reach her. The uncertainty weighed heavily on them, as they feared the worst for their parents and siblings.
“We desperately wanted to call our mother to let her know we were alive and to check on our family,” Ezeideen recalls. “But we had no phone, no money, and no one willing to help.”
On March 15, 2025, the Uganda Red Cross Society team at Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement introduced the brothers to the Restoring Family Links team. This initiative, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross, helps refugees and displaced persons reconnect with their families through free phone call services at strategically positioned URCS connectivity centers.
Two days later, on March 17, 2025, Ezeideen and Faisal visited the connectivity center at the reception area. A URCS volunteer handed them a phone, and they dialed their mother’s number. The call connected, and for the first time in months, they heard her voice.
“The moment she answered, we all burst into tears of joy. She was relieved to hear we were safe in Uganda, and we were grateful to know that she and the rest of our family were still alive,” Ezeideen shares. “It was the best three minutes of my life.”
Thanks to URCS, Ezeideen and Faisal have successfully reestablished contact with their family. This restored connection allows them to share updates, offer emotional support, and maintain their family bond despite the physical distance. They now have a lifeline to their home, ensuring they remain informed about their loved ones’ well-being.
“Although the three-minute call felt short because there was so much to say, I am incredibly thankful to the Red Cross. They gave me hope when I had none,” says Ezeideen. “I now know that my family is okay, and they know I am safe. That means everything to me.”
The Restoring Family Links program continues to serve thousands of displaced individuals in Uganda, providing:
✅ Free phone call services
✅ Wi-Fi access
✅ Phone charging stations
These services are available at connectivity centers in refugee settlements, ensuring that more families can reconnect despite the difficulties of displacement.
URCS remains committed to bridging the communication gap for refugees, offering them a chance to reconnect, rebuild, and restore hope. For many, like Ezeideen and Faisal, a simple phone call makes all the difference. It is not just about communication, it is about restoring hope, rebuilding families, and reaffirming the power of human connection.