Real Impact: The Testimony of Mathew Sekanjako
From Carrying Bricks to Changing the World
The true measure of our work at Balanced Life Family is seen in the lives of the youth we raise. One of our most profound success stories is Mathew Sekanjako, affectionately known in the BLF community as Mufunanyo or Mathew Witams. His journey is a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and the life-changing impact of community.
Growing Up in the Struggle
Growing up without both of his parents in the home, Mathew's childhood was marked by constant shifting. He lived briefly with his mother, then his father and stepmother, before moving between different relatives, including his grandmother. From the age of eight, he spent the most significant part of his early life living with his father's sister, his Auntie Nakanjako.
To survive and keep himself in school, Mathew had to fend for himself from a very young age. He spent time on the streets with other kids selling small items. He collected scrap metal just to earn enough to pay his school fees. He took on grueling manual labor in construction, doing what is locally known as Okupota, carrying bricks, building, and painting. He lived day-to-day, working whenever he could so he could afford to sit in a classroom.
The Turning Point at Zana
Despite these immense struggles, Mathew held onto a deep, burning desire to pursue his education. When he finished his Senior Four exams, his life hit a wall. He carried a massive debt from his former school and could not continue his A-Level studies. He had to stop attending entirely.
It was during this dark period that Mathew learned about The Balanced Life Family on Facebook and bravely reached out. A pivotal moment came when Auntie Tasha invited him to a BLF gathering in Entebbe, at a place called Zana. That event changed the entire trajectory of his life.
When BLF heard his testimony and witnessed his relentless drive, they immediately stepped in. They cleared his massive school debt, allowing him to return to his studies. They paid his tuition for his first term of Senior Five. Soon after, a woman who would change his life forever, Annet Kalisa, stepped in and promised to take care of his every need. Through BLF and her profound love, Mathew was sponsored to move to a much better institution, Chinawa High School, Kawempe Campus, where he successfully completed his A-Level studies doing a combination of Physics, Fine Art, and Mathematics, with Subsidiary Computer. During his time there, he served as the students' Prime Minister, and his leadership truly began to shine.
Guided by Love and Mentorship
At BLF, Mathew was not just given an education; he was given a family. He officially moved in to live at the organization and was profoundly shaped by a village of extraordinary leaders. He received life-changing guidance and mentorship from Dr. Josephine Kyambadde, Dr. Andrew Solomon, Auntie Tasha, and the late Jajja Mukyala (Samali Lwasa).
Under their wing, Mathew's leadership skills flourished. He stepped into the role of Youth Ambassador for BLF, leading charity projects, mentoring other youths in the organization, and passionately preaching the Word of God. He became a beacon of hope for his peers, proving that a kid who grew up working on the streets in deep poverty could have an inspiring story.
A Brotherhood Forged in Faith
While at The Balanced Life Family, Mathew found more than just mentorship; he found lifelong family. It was here that he met his best friend and brother in Christ, Kyambadde Samson. Growing up together through the struggles and triumphs at BLF, they formed an unbreakable bond rooted in their shared faith. Today, their brotherhood remains as strong as ever, standing as a beautiful reflection of the true family that this organization builds.
"He became a beacon of hope for his peers, proving that a kid who grew up working on the streets in deep poverty could have an inspiring story."
A Tech Visionary in America and the Love of a Mother
From a young age, Mathew always dreamed of studying in America. Because of his hard work and the foundation built by BLF, God wrote that exact story for his life.
When Mathew made the monumental move to the United States, his Mom Annet Kalisa was right there by his side. She took him in completely, caring for him as her own son and paying for everything he needed as he navigated his new life in America. Tragically, she passed away in the USA on July 30, 2025. Her unconditional love and sacrifice left an eternal mark on his heart, and he carries her legacy forward in every step of his journey today.
Today, Mathew is pursuing his higher education in the United States. Having previously studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering with minors in Mathematics and Physics at Eastern Nazarene College in Boston, MA, he is now studying at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in MIS Cybersecurity and taking classes toward his Master's degree in Information Technology, all while working as a Software Engineer, AI and Machine Learning Researcher, and a Founder.
Triple Degree and Glory
God has continued to open incredible doors for Mathew in the United States. He recently competed in HackOHI/O 2025, a massive 24-hour innovation hackathon held at Ohio State University. Competing against over 1,000 developers from top universities and major tech companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon, Mathew and his team won the award for Best Original and Innovative Software!
Mathew and his team at HackOHI/O 2025, where they won the award for Best Original and Innovative Software against over 1,000 developers.
During the hackathon, his team built an innovative video platform called Pchz, designed to help creators share their project pitches. This amazing achievement is just the beginning of even greater opportunities that God has opened for him.
Innovating for the Kingdom
Beyond competitions, Mathew uses his coding skills to glorify God and spread the Word. He recently developed and launched P31, an application currently available on the Apple App Store. Mathew is deeply passionate about sharing the Gospel and ensuring others experience the grace that transformed his life. He regularly preaches and hosts a Christian podcast, Psalms23Wave, to reach a global audience.
A Village of Support in America
Mathew's journey in the United States has not been a solo endeavor. God has surrounded him with an incredible community of mentors who have played a vital role in his continued success. One of these key figures is Mr. Jesse, who, along with his wife Krista, has been a tremendous mentor and a deeply supportive presence in Mathew's life in America. His academic and personal growth have also been deeply encouraged by university leadership, including the President of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Dr. Castleman.
There is also a great deal of unseen work from many others who have collectively held his hands. Mathew extends his deepest gratitude to people like Mr. Robert Benjamin, Mr. Tavaris, and the countless others who have poured into his life. He recognizes that it takes a village to reach where he is today, and his heartfelt prayers are always with the collective community that has supported him every step of the way.
As his career in technology advances, Mathew continues to learn from industry leaders. He recently had the privilege of sitting down with Lisa Tabler, Executive Director of Cybersecurity & Technology Controls at JPMorgan Chase, alongside his mentor VP Tavaris Taylor and Josiah Munro, gaining invaluable insights into balancing technical expertise with real-world impact and faith.
Sharing the Story: Tragedy Into Triumph
Mathew's journey of faith and perseverance has not only been lived out but also widely shared to encourage others. He recently had the profound honor of sharing his complete testimony on the Tragedy Into Triumph program. Founded and hosted by Reverend Wendell Brown, Tragedy Into Triumph is a nationwide broadcast and podcast dedicated to helping people find hope by sharing real, faith-driven stories of individuals who have overcome immense challenges through the grace of God.
In his two-part interview with Mr. Wendell Brown, Mathew opens up completely about his early life in poverty, his miraculous connection with The Balanced Life Family, and his journey to the United States. It is a powerful, must-watch conversation about faith, resilience, and the unstoppable grace of God.
Coming Full Circle
Despite the distance, his heart remains firmly planted in The Balanced Life Family. He continues to give back by architecting and developing the very websites and digital platforms that power the organization today. He serves in the partners' circle, works hand-in-hand with Dr. Josephine, and continues to mentor the youth from afar.
Reflecting on his journey, Mathew says:
"I did not have school like other students. I took so many gaps as I was growing up. I had seasons where I did not study, where I had nothing, where there was no money. And now, God is very great that I will be graduating soon in May 2026. I give all the glory and honor to the living God, and I thank The Balanced Life Family, Dr. Andrew Solomon, Auntie Tasha, Dr. Josephine, the late Jajja Mukyala, and my late Mom Annet Kalisa for getting me to where I am today."