WAKISO, UGANDA – A resident of Wakiso District, Sophia Nyangoma, has made a desperate public appeal for help in locating a Chinese national, Dan Zhaolong, an engineer she claims is the father of her child and who vanished eight years ago, leaving behind a trail of broken promises and a significant debt.
The story, which highlights the often-hidden human cost of international engagements, began nearly a decade ago when Nyangoma met Dan Zhaolong, who was then working on a construction project in Uganda. According to Nyangoma, their relationship developed, and she subsequently became pregnant.
“He promised to stand by me and support our child. He was very convincing and made plans for our future together,” a distraught Nyangoma recounted.
However, those promises allegedly evaporated when Zhaolong abruptly returned to China. Nyangoma claims that not only did he abandon his parental responsibilities, leaving her to solely care for their now eight-year-old child, but he also left her burdened with a staggering debt of 75 million Ugandan shillings.
It is understood that the debt was accrued from personal loans and financial obligations Zhaolong had allegedly encouraged her to take on during his time in Uganda, with promises of repayment.
For nearly a decade, Nyangoma has struggled to raise her child while grappling with the financial strain. Her attempts to contact Zhaolong have been futile, with all known lines of communication going dead shortly after his departure.
“I have been left with nothing but hardship. My child keeps asking about their father, and I have no answers. The debt collectors are relentless. I have exhausted all other options,” she stated, explaining her reason for turning to the public. “I am pleading for anyone who knows his whereabouts or how I can reach him to come forward. He needs to take responsibility for his child and clear the debt he left in my name.”
The case presents a complex challenge, involving international borders, paternity claims, and financial agreements. Community leaders in Wakiso have expressed sympathy for Nyangoma’s plight but admit there is little they can do without knowing Zhaolong’s specific whereabouts in China.
Authorities are yet to formally comment on this specific case. However, it underscores the vulnerabilities that can arise in cross-cultural personal relationships and the difficulties in seeking redress when one party leaves the country.
Nyangoma’s public search is a last resort, a cry for help in a search for justice that has spanned the entire lifetime of her child.
