As a World Vision staff member in Uganda since 1994, Michael's work was a source of light and hope for children affected by ongoing conflict in this region.

August 2007

World Vision mourns the loss of Michael Oruni, a dear friend and colleague. Serving with our organization for 13 years, Michael's passion was for the children of Uganda — particularly those tragically affected by the conflict in the northern part of this African country.

Helping Children Recover

Michael, a World Vision child advocate, joined the organization in January 1994 as a community development assistant center coordinator. The ongoing battle between the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the government of Uganda eventually forced Michael to leave his field-based operation and work from World Vision's office in the Ugandan capital of Kampala. He took on a variety of positions there before returning to his original role in 1999.

In 2001, Michael went to Pader, one of the districts hardest-hit by the conflict. There, he pioneered a psychosocial program, which offered Christian counseling for children who had been abducted by the LRA and forced to fight in the war. His work there led him to design a local reception center for formerly abducted people. In 2003, Michael returned to his home district of Gulu to manage World Vision's Children of War Rehabilitation Center. In 2006, he left the center to manage a development program in Uganda's Nkozi district.

A Deep, Abiding Love

Michael was an untiring, sincere, and passionate advocate for children in northern Uganda. He loved the children under his care in the Children of War program with expertise and professionalism, but even more, with a father's heart. Not only was he devoted to them through his job, but he also offered his personal time and energy for them.

"Michael was a beacon of hope for the children, as well as fellow staff members who worked with him," says Robby Muhumuza, World Vision's East Africa area director. "His contribution toward a peaceful resolution to the conflict in northern Uganda is commendable."

Michael's personality is perhaps best summarized by his own words: "I love children. That has touched the core of my life, to see that a child is helped. Also, I have a very strong concern for the community that I live in. I have seen my community fall into ruins. This community was so good as I grew up, and this war has destroyed a generation."

He died on June 20 at the age of 40 as a result of complications from a pulmonary embolism. He leaves behind a wife and four children, one of whom is a nephew he adopted.