In the heart of Omanju village in Aswii parish, Serere District, a quiet transformation has taken place in the life of 25-year-old Omoding, a young father whose journey through the REAL Fathers project has reshaped his family, his identity, and his community. He lives with his 19-year-old spouse, Babra, and their 3-year-old son, Aaron, three people whose lives are now closely intertwined with a story of growth and change.

Before joining the REAL Fathers sessions, Omoding describes himself as someone drawn into negative peer groups, spending his days wasting time and being influenced in ways that affected his home life. Quarrels were common, and he rarely paid attention to what was happening at home. Reflecting on those days, he says, “I was part of a bad peer group. We wasted time and influenced each other negatively. I rarely cared about what was happening at home, and quarrels were common between me and Babra.”

The REAL Fathers sessions provided him with the tools he needed to rethink his choices and embrace responsibility. He slowly distanced himself from his peer group, choosing instead to prioritize his family. “Now I stand on my own as a responsible man. I come home early, by 8 p.m. I am back with my family, and we no longer quarrel like before,” he says with quiet pride.

His understanding of fatherhood has also evolved. Like many men in his community, he once believed that providing food was the only responsibility of a father. Love, time, and emotional connection felt secondary. But this belief changed when he learned about the importance of being present and involved in his child’s life. “I learned how much more fatherhood means,” he explains. “Now I understand my son’s needs. We play together, kick a ball around, and our bond has grown so much. My son loves me deeply, and I love him too.”

The transformation has extended beyond his household. Once known as a directionless young man, Omoding is now viewed differently within his community. He says, “People used to know me as a reckless young man who had no direction. But now my neighbors respect me. I’ve changed. I have better morals, and I put my family first.” His renewed sense of responsibility even pushed him to build his own home, moving out of his parents’ house to create a safe and stable place for his young family. It is a milestone he proudly cherishes.

In a community where many men still believe that a father’s role ends with providing food, Omoding’s transformation is inspiring others to rethink what it truly means to be a parent. His journey is slowly helping shift harmful norms and showing that active, loving fatherhood positively affects children’s wellbeing.

For Babra, the change has been deeply meaningful. She says that Omoding is now more responsible, more present, and more supportive than he has ever been. “He never used to care about the child, but now he takes full responsibility,” she shares. “Aaron doesn’t fall sick as often anymore because he’s getting love and care from both of us. And for the first time, we are making plans for the future together.”

She smiles as she recalls how things used to be: “He used to spend a lot of time at the centre with his peers and come home late, he no longer does that.”

Omoding’s story is a powerful reminder of how mentorship, reflection, and community support can change lives. Through the REAL Fathers project, he has not only transformed his own habits but also strengthened his family, uplifted his partner, and become a role model for other young fathers. His journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of positive parenthood and the ripple effect it creates in homes and communities.