Hello, I’d love to share this testimony: My Name Is Nakabira Alex,
and I am 54 years old. I am living positively with HIV, a single mother of four, and a caregiver to two additional family dependents. I retired from primary school teaching nine years ago and currently work as a casual laborer to make a living. In this 34-year journey of living positively with HIV, I have faced severe rejection, physical, emotional, and financial battles. However, I will never forget that miraculous day in 2006 when I visited a specialized clinic for HIV/AIDS because my viral load had risen so high that I could not survive another month. This is where I met a young lady who welcomed me with a very soft and humble greeting. She introduced herself to me as Olivia Nabukalu. Little did I know that God had finally sent me a person who would stand by me and hold my hand through thick and thin. Olivia became my intimate friend because she always made sure to call or visit and check on my condition. She always spared time to listen to my painful stories, parenting problems, and all kinds of psychological effects that haunted me. However, to my surprise, after some time, I discovered that she was doing the same for all other people, regardless of age, gender, or tribe. She is never bothered by the kinds of diseases we suffer from; she will always be there for you at any time, any place, with any support. She is so generous to the extent of giving away what would be hers and her family’s. In 2016, when she came up with the idea of setting up an organization, we never hesitated to join in because most of the women who had ever received her attention knew and believed in her. I personally picked up on her vision and objectives very quickly, and with everyone enthusiastic about her vision, we had our first ten-member meeting in her house within the second month after her proposal. I had just lost my job, and things did not work out well for me in the Ugandan Courts of Law. As a single mother, my children failed to continue with their education, and we did not have a home to live in either. This situation broke me down, and I developed Diabetes Type 2, then slowly went into severe depression. The adherence failed, and I hid myself from my friend Olivia. Before I knew it, I was down with AIDS, associated with TB, acute ulcers, erythromycetes, and diabetes, all because I had defaulted. On my deathbed, I asked my daughter to call Olivia for me, and when she arrived, she said, “Alex, it’s not yet time to let go; we still have a lot of people who need our support; how can you disappoint them just like that?!” At those words, I felt like I had let her down by hiding the truth from her. I woke up, took the mug from her hands, and steadily drank, but to my surprise, I never threw up what I drank this time, and from there, I got better and better until now. It’s like she has magical words full of spiritual healing power. May our good Lord bless her and all her household in Jesus’ name.
My Name Is Kemirembe Hadijah,
and I am proud to say that I have transformed from a sad and lonely person to a confident and empowered individual. Earlier, after being diagnosed with HIV, I felt uncomfortable discussing HIV/AIDS issues, whether in my community or at work. I would secretly attend clinical appointments and Bugasa Women’s Group meetings, but I never felt at ease with the subject, even before my diagnosis. As a busy teacher and mother of four, with two additional family dependents, I thought I had no time to dwell on my HIV status. However, my life took a turn when I met Musawo Olivia, the founder of Bugasa Women’s Group, who showed me empathy and support. I began to volunteer with the organization in 2016, using my communication skills to help others. After recovering from depression, I continued to volunteer, and God blessed us with many success stories and more vulnerable women joining our group. Through Bugasa Women’s Group, I found my freedom and happiness. I am no longer a sad and lonely woman, worried about societal judgment. Instead, I am an active member, volunteering in community HIV/AIDS sensitization and supporting others with vulnerable conditions. I sing praises for the magic of Bugasa Women’s Group, which has transformed my life and many others. Today, I stand as a role model, educator, motivational speaker, and counselor, helping others to find their voice and overcome their challenges. My story is a testament to the power of support, empathy, and community. I am grateful for Musawo Olivia and Bugasa Women’s Group, who helped me break free from my secret life and find my true purpose. 
My Name Is Namirembe Rwiza,
and I thought I had lost everything when my husband abandoned me and our three children due to my HIV diagnosis. I felt like a burden to society, and the shame and guilt consumed me. I withdrew from my community and friends, afraid of being judged and rejected. But then I found Bugasa Women’s Group and Musawo Olivia, who embraced me with love and understanding. They showed me that I was not alone, and that my HIV status did not define me. With their support, I began to heal and find my strength again. Through Bugasa Women’s Group, I received training and education on HIV management, and I learned to live positively. I also found a community of women who understood my struggles, and we supported each other through our journeys. Musawo Olivia became like a mother to me, offering guidance and encouragement. She helped me to see my worth and value beyond my HIV status. With her support, I started volunteering with the group, helping others who were going through similar experiences. Today, I am a confident and empowered woman, living positively with HIV. I am a role model for my children and a testament to the power of resilience and community. Bugasa Women’s Group and Musawo Olivia gave me a second chance at life, and I am forever grateful. I continue to volunteer with the group, helping others to find their voice and overcome their challenges. I know that I am not alone, and that together, we can create a supportive community where no one feels abandoned or ashamed.
Shamim Nanyangwa
a 25-year-old mother, was trapped in a world of silence. For three years, she struggled with a debilitating mental health condition that rendered her unable to speak to anyone, including her own children. The pain and isolation were palpable, and her family felt helpless as they watched her suffer.
When Bugasa Women’s Group found Shamim, she was a shadow of her former self. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, had lost their sparkle. Her smile, once warm and inviting, had faded away. She was a prisoner of her own mind, unable to express her thoughts or feelings.
But we saw beyond her silence. We saw a woman who was desperate for connection, for understanding, and for love. We saw a mother who longed to communicate with her children, to tell them how much she loved them, and to guide them through life’s challenges.
With compassion and empathy, we reached out to Shamim. We listened to her silence, and we heard the cries of her heart. We offered her a supportive ear, a comforting embrace, and a reassuring presence. Slowly but surely, Shamim began to open up. She started to speak, hesitantly at first, but with growing confidence
Today, Shamim is a transformed woman. Her mental state has improved significantly, and she is now able to express herself freely. She talks to us, shares her thoughts and feelings, and even laughs with us. The silence has been broken, and her voice has been set free.
But Shamim’s journey is not just about her own healing; it’s also about the impact she has on those around her. Her children, who once felt abandoned and unheard, now have a mother who can communicate with them, guide them, and love them unconditionally. Shamim’s story is a testament to the power of compassion, empathy, and community. It shows that with the right support and care, anyone can overcome even the darkest of challenges. And it reminds us that every person deserves to be heard, to be seen, and to be loved
Kagoya Ruth,
a resilient single mother and dedicated secretary of Bugasa Women’s Group, has been a beacon of hope and strength for her family and community. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the responsibility of raising her children alone, Ruth has remained steadfast in her commitment to creating a better life for herself and those around her.
When Ruth joined Bugasa Women’s Group at its inception, she was met with open arms and a supportive community. The group recognized her potential and offered her food support, connections to educational resources for her children, and guidance on positive living. With this comprehensive support system, Ruth began to thrive.
As a single mother, Ruth faced significant obstacles in providing for her children’s basic needs. However, with the group’s food support, she was able to ensure her children had access to nutritious meals, alleviating the burden of hunger and allowing them to focus on their education.
The group’s connections to educational resources also enabled Ruth’s children to attend school, unlocking opportunities for their future success. Ruth’s children, once at risk of being left behind, now have the chance to reach their full potential, thanks to their mother’s determination and the group’s support.
Moreover, the guidance on positive living has empowered Ruth to take control of her own well-being. She has learned valuable skills and strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.
Ruth’s transformation is a testament to the power of community and support. She has become a shining example of the impact that Bugasa Women’s Group can have on individuals and families. Her story serves as a reminder that with the right resources and encouragement, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Through her role as secretary, Ruth continues to pay it forward, supporting and uplifting other members of the group. Her selflessness and dedication inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that extends far beyond the group itself.
How one of Ruth’s daughter has studied through the conection and assistance of Bugasa Women’s Group
In the heart of our slum community, we witness the devastating consequences of trauma and abandonment. Families, overwhelmed by their circumstances, often bring their children to us, hoping we can provide the care and support they cannot. These children, innocent and vulnerable, are left to face the harsh realities of life alone.
As an organization, we step in to fill the gap, providing a safe haven for these abandoned children. We offer them a place to stay, food to eat, and access to basic necessities like healthcare and education. But our support goes beyond mere survival – we strive to empower these children to thrive.
Through coordination with local authorities, we work tirelessly to address the root causes of trauma and abandonment. We engage with families, providing counseling and guidance to help them overcome their challenges and become self-sufficient. Our ultimate goal is to reunite children with their families, but when that’s not possible, we ensure they receive the love, care, and support they deserve.
In our community, poverty, violence, and substance abuse are rampant. Families struggle to make ends meet, leading to neglect and abandonment. But we believe every child deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.
Our organization is more than just a shelter – it’s a beacon of hope. We provide a supportive environment where children can heal, learn, and grow. Our dedicated team works around the clock to ensure each child receives the attention and care they need.
We also recognize the importance of community involvement. By working with local authorities, schools, and healthcare providers, we create a network of support that benefits everyone. Together, we can break the cycle of trauma and abandonment, replacing it with a culture of care and compassion.
In this slum community, we’re not just fighting for the rights of abandoned children – we’re fighting for a better future. A future where every child has access to education, healthcare, and a loving family. A future where trauma and abandonment are a distant memory. As different images of the few we have been able to assist all having different stories and backgrounds as shown below.
