Lucien’s Journey

Bisimana Lucien, a Congolese musician and human rights activist, returned to his home in Bukavu, Congo, for the first and last time after five years of exile in Uganda. His story, like many others, epitomizes the daily struggle and resilience between Uganda and Congo. Lucien, a prominent figure in the Congolese community, dedicated himself to supporting young refugees in Uganda while yearning for his homeland. His tragic death in Kampala, following a violent assault, underscores the harsh realities faced by refugees, highlighting the challenges of access to healthcare and the vulnerability of their status.

Lucien's journey embodies hope, activism, and the longing for home. Despite his commitment to building a better future for himself and fellow refugees in Uganda, his aspirations to return to Bukavu and continue his social activism were abruptly cut short by a violent robbery that claimed his life. His untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by refugees and the ongoing struggle for justice and dignity in the face of adversity. Through his music, activism, and unwavering optimism, Lucien leaves behind a legacy that inspires others to continue the fight for peace and social change.

Kampala, Uganda. Bukavu, DRC. 2019.

Story and photos done along with Victor González.

In the small flat Lucien shares with his brother's family watches the football match between Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. His nephews, Caleb and Emma, are entertained between the screen and their uncle. - Paula González Gavilanes
In the small flat Lucien shares with his brother's family watches the football match between Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. His nephews, Caleb and Emma, are entertained between the screen and their uncle.
Lucien left his home in Nakulabye, in Uganda’s capital Kampala, to visit Bukavu, his hometown. Five years ago, he fled his from his country to save his life, and for the first time since, he goes back. - Paula González Gavilanes
Lucien left his home in Nakulabye, in Uganda’s capital Kampala, to visit Bukavu, his hometown.
Five years ago, he fled his from his country to save his life, and for the first time since, he goes back.
Lucien then leaves Uganda and after five years, returns to the DRC. He takes the ferry, the fastest and most popular transportation for crossing Lake Kivu, from Goma to Bukavu, where he was born. - Paula González Gavilanes
Lucien then leaves Uganda and after five years, returns to the DRC. He takes the ferry, the fastest and most popular transportation for crossing Lake Kivu, from Goma to Bukavu, where he was born.
Sanitation and lack of hygiene in Bukavu are among the local population's greatest concerns. Infrastructure is very poor. Most houses are not equipped with a sewage system nor do they have electricity. - Paula González Gavilanes
Sanitation and lack of hygiene in Bukavu are among the local population's greatest concerns. Infrastructure is very poor. Most houses are not equipped with a sewage system nor do they have electricity.
While visiting his hometown Lucien continues to do his activism. He meets with a Batwa community whose way of life has been threatened by the lack of understanding from the local government. - Paula González Gavilanes
While visiting his hometown Lucien continues to do his activism. He meets with a Batwa community whose way of life has been threatened by the lack of understanding from the local government.
DRC faces different conflicts related to land. In the photo, miners search for gold in Lwinja. Their activity is considered illegal, and large companies like BANRO have displaced them from their original communities. - Paula González Gavilanes
DRC faces different conflicts related to land. In the photo, miners search for gold in Lwinja. Their activity is considered illegal, and large companies like BANRO have displaced them from their original communities.
Lucien's father, like in many other houses in Bukavu has no electricity. He illuminates the rooms with small flashlights. It's the first time Lucien has seen his father in five years, and it will be the last. - Paula González Gavilanes
Lucien's father, like in many other houses in Bukavu has no electricity. He illuminates the rooms with small flashlights. It's the first time Lucien has seen his father in five years, and it will be the last.
The day before returning to Uganda, Lucien revisited places from his childhood, little has changed. He sits in one of the classrooms of the Patrice Lumumba Primary School in Bagira,Bukavu. - Paula González Gavilanes
The day before returning to Uganda, Lucien revisited places from his childhood, little has changed. He sits in one of the classrooms of the Patrice Lumumba Primary School in Bagira,Bukavu.
A few weeks after his trip, Lucien was brutally attacked in the streets of Kampala. Although he had the refugee status he was neglected medical aid. He was buried on August 18th at the Bethel Endtime Gospel Ministries Church in Nakulabye, Kampala. The neighborhood where he lived once he became a refugee. - Paula González Gavilanes
A few weeks after his trip, Lucien was brutally attacked in the streets of Kampala. Although he had the refugee status he was neglected medical aid. He was buried on August 18th at the Bethel Endtime Gospel Ministries Church in Nakulabye, Kampala. The neighborhood where he lived once he became a refugee.
In the small flat Lucien shares with his brother's family watches the football match between Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. His nephews, Caleb and Emma, are entertained between the screen and their uncle. - Paula González Gavilanes
Lucien left his home in Nakulabye, in Uganda’s capital Kampala, to visit Bukavu, his hometown. Five years ago, he fled his from his country to save his life, and for the first time since, he goes back. - Paula González Gavilanes
Lucien then leaves Uganda and after five years, returns to the DRC. He takes the ferry, the fastest and most popular transportation for crossing Lake Kivu, from Goma to Bukavu, where he was born. - Paula González Gavilanes
Sanitation and lack of hygiene in Bukavu are among the local population's greatest concerns. Infrastructure is very poor. Most houses are not equipped with a sewage system nor do they have electricity. - Paula González Gavilanes
While visiting his hometown Lucien continues to do his activism. He meets with a Batwa community whose way of life has been threatened by the lack of understanding from the local government. - Paula González Gavilanes
DRC faces different conflicts related to land. In the photo, miners search for gold in Lwinja. Their activity is considered illegal, and large companies like BANRO have displaced them from their original communities. - Paula González Gavilanes
Lucien's father, like in many other houses in Bukavu has no electricity. He illuminates the rooms with small flashlights. It's the first time Lucien has seen his father in five years, and it will be the last. - Paula González Gavilanes
The day before returning to Uganda, Lucien revisited places from his childhood, little has changed. He sits in one of the classrooms of the Patrice Lumumba Primary School in Bagira,Bukavu. - Paula González Gavilanes
A few weeks after his trip, Lucien was brutally attacked in the streets of Kampala. Although he had the refugee status he was neglected medical aid. He was buried on August 18th at the Bethel Endtime Gospel Ministries Church in Nakulabye, Kampala. The neighborhood where he lived once he became a refugee. - Paula González Gavilanes
This article was published in Ara. CLICK HERE to read the full story. - Paula González Gavilanes
This article was published in Ara. CLICK HERE to read the full story.

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