Save Sharif from Unfair Legal Troubles

Sharif, my first true friend in Uganda fifteen years ago and someone who played a critical role in building Entusi as a driver, has been a special reminder to me about the true loyalty and kindness of Ugandans.

Unfortunately, he, his wife, and five children have come against very difficult circumstances starting as a result of the pandemic. Their family-run factory business suffered from strict COVID restrictions in which they lost their house which was foreclosed by aggressive banks. As a consequence, to financially support his family, Sharif has had to take on a driving business in Kampala. Meanwhile, his family had to move to the village with his wife's in-laws.

While driving to earn money for his family, Sharif was part of minor car accident. However, the very wealthy woman who was part of the crash has demanded unreasonable compensation for the incident. Because of her wealth, she has the ability to bend the legal system in her favor. As a consequence, Sharif faces an unfair, corrupt lawsuit that requires him to pay more $2500 in fines by the end of September or face two years of prison, an almost impossible demand to meet. It is widely known that living conditions in Ugandan prisons is unsafe and inhumane. In addition, this unfair time away from his family will be most destructive to his children who are in need of their father during this formative time in their life.

I don't usually ask for financial support for "international development" projects as they have can have likely negative consequences and support a culture of dependency. But, for me, this is not about African aid and international development. It is to support a true, loyal friend who does not deserve to be put in a position to be unfairly taken away from his family in prison for two years. The money gained from this effort will help pay for legal fees that can help reduce the fees he owes and the time spent in prison.

I truly appreciate any and all support you can provide during this time of crisis for Sharif and his family.