From Unequal Beginnings to Collective Action: My Journey and the Future of Far Away Friends
Collines Angwech grew up in Amolatar witnessing the stark inequalities that shape opportunity in rural Uganda. From those early experiences came a lifelong commitment to education, community development, and creating pathways for young people to thrive.
As a young girl leaving my home district of Amolatar to study in another district, I was quickly confronted by a reality that would shape the course of my life. Just two hours away from where I grew up, there were tarmac roads, well equipped health facilities, and beautiful schools with resources that supported children to thrive, children we competed with in the very same national examinations.
The contrast disturbed me deeply. I kept asking myself why such unequal levels of development and service delivery existed within the same country.
I was an orphan, privileged to leave my district on a scholarship, but my heart remained heavy with thoughts of the thousands of children like me who would never have that opportunity. I thought of my widowed mother, often sick, and the limited health services available back home. I wondered why access to quality education and healthcare depended so much on where one was born. Even then, I prayed for transformation for my district.
As I grew older and moved across Uganda and later to countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, the questions only became louder. Seeing what was possible elsewhere strengthened my resolve to do something meaningful for my community. That conviction led me to study Development Studies in university and later to work with NGOs focused on supporting underserved communities like my own.
When I met my sister and best friend from across the world, Jayme, I shared with her the realities of Amolatar: educational poverty, limited healthcare, and a desperate need for equitable service delivery. Together, we decided to act. That decision gave birth to Far Away Friends (FAF).
Starting FAF was never just about building a school or delivering services; it was part of a larger vision of transformation, dignity, and long-term community development.
Through FAF, we built a model school in the Amolatar District, supported other government schools, health centers, and partnered with other organizations to strengthen education and social services across the district. Yet the more we did, the more we realized how much more needed to be done.
Then I realized that community development requires advocacy at every level, not only grassroots programs but also policies that ensure equitable service delivery for all rural areas.
That realization led me to run for Member of Parliament for Kioga Constituency, on a platform of inclusive development, youth and women empowerment, and better service delivery.
Running for Member of Parliament for Kioga County was one of the hardest journeys of my life. I competed against five other candidates. I was the only woman and an opposition candidate, and I struggled financially throughout the campaign. With the support of friends, faith, and determination, we pressed on.
I learned that leadership requires more than vision and a manifesto, it requires resilience.
Young people rallied around me.
Women stood together in solidarity.
Local volunteers sacrificed time, jobs, and resources.
People contributed vehicles, motorcycles, fuel, sound systems and whatever they could. There were days we missed rallies because our vehicles broke down. There were nights spent in hospitals after road accidents. It was exhausting, painful, and at times overwhelming.
But the desire for change was stronger. Together, alongside my people, we won.
Now, as the elected Member of Parliament for Kioga Constituency, I carry enormous responsibility. Expectations are high, and rightly so. I am committed to doing everything within my mandate to provide the leadership my people have long yearned for: leadership rooted in equity, accountability, and service.
For us at Far Away Friends, this position creates an opportunity for FAF to continue its work while expanding its vision, reaching more communities across Amolatar and strengthening advocacy at higher levels. Much is now expected of FAF, but I believe this is exactly what the organization has been preparing for all along.
With stronger platforms, deeper partnerships, and continued community support, FAF can do even better. championing education, healthcare, and opportunity for all.
This journey has taught me that real change is never the work of one person. It is the result of collective belief, shared sacrifice, and hope. I remain committed to my community, to Far Away Friends, and to a future where equality is not determined by geographical location.
With Love,
Honorable Collines Angwech ‘Mindyang’ | Co-Founder, Far Away Friends
Important Disclosure: Far Away Friends is a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and, under U.S. law, does not support or oppose political candidates or parties in any country. Collines Angwech’s candidacy for Member of Parliament was undertaken entirely in her personal capacity and is separate from her role with Far Away Friends. No Far Away Friends funds, staff time, or organizational resources were used to support or influence this campaign. The views expressed in this article reflect the personal experience of the author and do not constitute a political endorsement by Far Away Friends.