Kato John lives and works in the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in southwestern Uganda and is the Founder and Executive Director of Bluebird Soccer Academy, a youth- and refugee-led organization using sports to empower young people through education, mentorship, and life-skills development. Through community engagement with families, schools, and local leaders, the academy supports improved education outcomes, social cohesion, and long-term empowerment for refugee youth.
As Executive Director, John leads strategy, partnerships, fundraising, program management, and community initiatives, including projects in youth entrepreneurship, gender-based violence awareness, education support, and nutrition.
From early on, John felt called to serve young people in his community. During his time at The Leadership Academy of South Sudan (LASS), he clarified that passion and began aligning his education with his deeper sense of purpose. Although his academic track did not directly reflect his long-term goals, he maintained his vision of working with youth, explaining how he stayed committed to that purpose despite challenges. He noticed troubling patterns among youth in the refugee settlement, including school dropouts, disrespect toward elders, and lingering trauma. This led him to launch Bluebird Academy and to use soccer as a vehicle for healing and growth.
But what makes Bluebird so impactful is that it isn’t just about soccer—the program creates a positive ripple effect across families and the entire community. Dozens of youth who had dropped out of school are now back in class, some nearing completion of their primary education thanks to Bluebird scholarships. Through consistent mentorship, structure, and belonging, young men are gaining discipline, confidence, and motivation to stay in school. That impact is visible in the voices of the mothers who have watched their sons change. They’ve seen their boys become more focused, more respectful, and more committed to their education—because someone finally believes in them and is giving them a reason to keep going.
One of the most powerful ripple effects is happening through Zanobya, a female coach for Bluebird. She’s stepped into a role of influence—guiding and mentoring boys on and off the field. In a culture where young men may rarely see women leading with authority and strength, her presence is shaping something deeper than athletic skill: it’s shaping respect, character, and a new vision for what healthy leadership can look like.
John credits LASS’ discipleship and leadership programming as pivotal to his journey. This is what the Leadership Academy is all about: raising up leaders with character, vision, and practical skills to bring lasting change to their communities. John is proof that when you invest in a student, you multiply impact for generations. His passion for investing in young people comes from his own journey—both as a refugee and as a LASS graduate.