Enoch Katwere’s story is one of resilience, determination and impact. From living on the streets of Kampala as a young child to becoming Adara’s Psychosocial Support Officer in Uganda — the only clinical psychologist serving a region of more than one million people — his journey is extraordinary. Enoch’s story shows the life‑changing power of child protection, education and long‑term support. Today, Enoch’s work is transforming access to mental health care for children, families and communities across Uganda.
Enoch had been living on the streets of Kampala, Uganda’s capital, since he was just four years old. His father died when he was a baby, and his mother, living in extreme poverty, was forced to move frequently in search of survival. With no stable home, no access to education and often not enough food, Enoch was left to survive on the streets at an age when no child should have to fend for themselves.
Life on the streets was harsh and dangerous. Sleeping on the ground, searching for food and safety, and facing constant neglect and abuse, Enoch had nowhere to turn and no protection to rely on. He collected scrap from mechanical appliances and fetched firewood to make money for food.
Enoch first came into our lives at Adara when he was just nine years old. He was one of the Ebenezer boys – a group of 27 boys who had found been surviving on the streets and in desperate need of help. Adara stepped in to provide care, protection and educational support to rehabilitate the Ebenezer Boys, and directly managed their wellbeing and schooling.
In 2017, all of the Ebenezer Boys graduated from Adara’s care. That milestone marked not an ending, but the beginning of what these young men would go on to achieve. The boys have now grown into strong, smart, compassionate adults, many of whom give back to their communities.
From the beginning, Enoch’s determination to learn stood out. Despite everything he had endured, his desire for education was clear from an early age. When the time came for the boys to begin vocational training, Enoch fought hard to stay in school for as long as possible. He was young – but he was absolutely committed to education, and to building the brightest future for himself.
Enoch’s academic journey has been extraordinary. He graduated school with one of the highest A‑level results in the country, before completing a Bachelor of Science in Community Psychology and Psychotherapy. In February 2026 Enoch achieved another remarkable milestone – graduating with a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology.
Today, Enoch serves as Adara’s Psychosocial Support Officer in Uganda, and is the only registered clinical psychologist in a region of more than one million people.
His impact is already being felt across Adara’s programmes. Since Enoch joined the team in early 2025, Adara’s Youth Community Centre (AYCC) has significantly expanded its mental health services. Year‑round mental health training and sensitisation have been introduced for young people, staff and community stakeholders. Teachers have been trained to recognise mental health needs, and teenage mothers now receive ongoing psychosocial support.
Enoch has also strengthened outreach to boys and young men, creating inclusive spaces to break stigma and encourage participation. Through dedicated male engagement sessions, Enoch has led sessions with young men exploring mental health, substance use, healthy decision‑making and the transition to adulthood – helping more boys access support and build healthier futures.
Across Adara’s Baby Ubuntu programme, Enoch has helped introduce clinical psychological assessments and tailored therapy for children with neurodisabilities and their families. Caregivers now receive more in depth counselling, psychosocial support and parent group sessions – equipping families with tools to manage stress, depression, grief, stigma and burnout, and to build resilience together.
His journey has come full circle. He remains deeply connected to the Ebenezer Boys as a team leader and coordinator, supporting annual gatherings and ongoing psychosocial support.
His story is a testament to why child protection sits at the heart of Adara’s work. When children are given safety, opportunity and support, they can change not only their own lives – but the futures of entire communities.
We could not be prouder of Enoch, or more inspired by the man he has become.
Please join us in congratulating Enoch on this incredible achievement, and wishing him continued strength and success in this vital work.
