Roland Ibanda

In August, 2008, D. B. Pacini verified Roland’s school, medical, and church records. He received excellent recommendations from his references. They all say he is a fine young man living in hard circumstances.

Roland Ibanda is a young artist and writer living in Jinja Uganda, East Africa. He was born in 1985 and has worked delivering much needed supplies to war zones in northern Uganda, and sometimes in southwestern Sudan (Darfur). His employer was shot and killed by rebels in January, 2007. Roland and a co-worker survived the brutal assault, but each suffered serious injuries. They were rescued and taken to a Red Cross camp for medical treatment. Roland returned to his home in Jinja when doctors released him. It is extremely dangerous to work in war zones, but Roland and many young men have no other opportunity to secure employment.

At the tender age of eight Roland began working to help support his disabled mother and siblings. His mother had sustained extensive injuries from an attack by robbers. In spite of his family responsibilities, Roland was a successful student. He completed secondary school and qualified for advanced level high school education in Uganda. Students in Uganda must pay for their high school education. Roland helped pay his tuition by working at the high school doing maintenance cleaning.

Roland’s dream is to come to America and attend college. In November, 2005, he was befriended by a woman claiming to be a missionary worker. She offered to sell 200 pieces of his art to raise funds for his college education. She sold a number of his paintings, stole the money, and then stopped all communications with him.

He lives with his single mother, brother, and two sisters. Additionally, they have adopted a young cousin whose parents died. Roland’s mother has cancer. She relies upon her children for care and support. Roland struggles to help sustain his family. He is not painting at this time because he cannot afford art materials. His heart remains full of hope that he will someday attend college in America. If you are interested in purchasing his artwork please send him an email.

Note from A STARRY NIGHT PRODUCTIONS Staff:

There are no adequate words to express our admiration for this young man. If you can purchase his art please do so with a generous heart. We will continue to provide Roland free art display space on this website. Most creative artists want interest and support. This young artist truly needs it.