Redefining Refugee
When people are forced to flee their homes, they are often defined by a single word: refugee.
But behind every refugee is a person with unique gifts, experiences, and a story that continues long after displacement.
Abubaker is one of them.
Today, Abubaker is a husband, father of two, and Tricycle Ambulance Driver with Medical Teams International in Uganda. Every day, he helps transport critically ill patients from remote villages to healthcare facilities, ensuring they receive life-saving care as quickly as possible.
A Journey to Safety
Abubaker’s journey to Uganda began when he was just 15 years old.
Born in Democratic Republic of Congo, he grew up surrounded by conflict and insecurity. In 2004, rebels killed his father. Seven years later, his mother was also killed. With many of his relatives already lost to violence, Abubaker knew he could no longer stay.
So, he and a group of friends walked for two weeks to reach safety in Uganda.
“I was sad that I was leaving my home,” he recalls. “But I was worried that if I stayed, I would end up like my parents. I was so scared during the journey to Uganda.”
After reaching Uganda, Abubaker eventually settled in a refugee settlement. Although the early years were difficult, he found support from a friend who welcomed him into his home and helped him start rebuilding his life.
Looking back, he is grateful for how far he has come.
“I no longer live in fear,” he says. “I have a family of my own that I love, and I am at peace knowing that we are safe.”
Today, Abubaker lives in the refugee settlement alongside many other refugee families. He is grateful for the stability he has found there — and for the opportunity to help others in his community.
Bringing Care Within Reach
The refugee settlement is spread across a large rural area, with many families living miles from the nearest health facility. Rough dirt roads can become difficult to navigate, especially in the rainy season, making it challenging for sick patients, pregnant mothers, and injured community members to reach care on their own.
That’s where Abubaker comes in.
As a Tricycle Ambulance Driver, he transports emergency patients from remote villages to Medical Teams Health Facilities for treatment. Some are pregnant mothers about to give birth. Others are children battling severe malaria, anemia, or other life-threatening illnesses where every minute matters.
The ambulance service helps ensure more people can reach care when they need it most.
“Because of the experience I’ve had as a refugee, I try by all means to offer the best service,” Abubaker says. “I do not want to see any more death among my people, and because of the tricycle ambulance services there has been a drop in mortality rates in the community, especially among young children and pregnant mothers.”
Healing Beyond Crisis
This World Refugee Day, Abubaker’s story reminds us that refugees are more than what they have endured.
After fleeing violence and losing both of his parents, Abubaker rebuilt his life and now helps others access lifesaving healthcare through Medical Teams.
Because of your compassion, help is never too far away for families facing medical emergencies. Your support makes it possible for community members like Abubaker to bring critically ill patients, expectant mothers, and injured children to the care they need — giving hope when every minute matters.
Abubaker is more than a refugee.
He is an ambulance driver. A husband. A father. A lifesaver.
This World Refugee Day
More than 41 million refugees around the world have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict, violence, and persecution.
World Refugee Day is an opportunity to look beyond the label “refugee” and honor the resilience, dignity, and humanity of people seeking safety and hope. Through life-saving healthcare, Medical Teams helps refugees and displaced families heal, recover, and rebuild.