Ham is a primary seven pupil from Busia District in Eastern Uganda. At 13 years of age, he is a change influencer in his municipality and proudly shares how his life has changed and how he has in turn changed the lives of his peers. He is the speaker of Busia Municipal Children’s Parliament; a position he was elected into by members of various children committees in February 2020.

Some years back, Ham learnt about the Children’s Parliament because his school had representatives in the parliament. Ham vividly remembers the day that he was picked to represent children at the National Parliament of Uganda to speak about the issues affecting fellow children. He still upholds that as a life-changing event for him; sharing that it was like a dream come true. Ham shares that he felt so happy to see that finally he had an opportunity to help friends who were being abused; especially those facing domestic violence which was on a high in Busia Municipality. He adds that he is elated at being part of a very happy family with both parents whom he says are quite understanding and supportive.

From the time that Ham was elected speaker of the Children's Parliament, he says that he, together with his fellow honourable members, have been at the forefront of advocating for a safe community that upholds the rights of children. With fierce determination, Ham says that as long as he is still representing children, he will never stop speaking for his fellow children. He, for example, shared about a time when he offered to speak to the parents of a fellow pupil. He recalls the child confided in him that she was being excessively punished at home by her parents. With a smile, he says that when he talked to the parents about the dangers of corporal punishment, however young he was, they listened to him. He testifies that now the girl is living happily with her parents.

Ham’s teacher shares that he is equally grateful to World Vision for initiating such child participation platforms. He adds that the platform not only improves children’s confidence but also their morals and discipline. He points out Ham as being a role-model to his fellow pupils.

The young leader hopes to become a representative of all the young people in Uganda even later at an international level. As a future leader, Ham hopes to concentrate his efforts on strengthening relationships between parents and their children.