Malnutrition-The fate of many children in uganda.
Kasimu Badaaza aged two(2) is one of the victims of malnutition in Mayuge district,Busakira sub county. COFCAWE through the Bugoye Safe guarding committee identified a family of five malnourished children in Waita village.When approached by the SGC,Mohammad Badaaza,the father of the children claimed that his business(charcaol burning) was affected during the time of COVID and since then life has never been the same.However during the interaction with the Village chairperson,Mohammad abondoned his family and his wife,the mother of the children had to leave and return to her parents because it had come to the extreme.Two (2) of his (Kasim’s) siblings were taken by their paternal aunt while Kasim,Amina(9 months) and Lukiya(11 years) stayed back with their Father and step mother.
With support from COFCAWE-AWC and the initiative of the SGC,the three children were taken to Mayuge health centre IV for treatment and later referred to Nutrition clinic in Jinja-Jinja children’s regional referal hospital(Nalufenya as locally known).Lukiya was discharged and parents advised and given nutritional counselling while Amina and Kasim were retained at the facility for one week under the care of their step mother and routine visits by COFCAWE staff
After one week of intense treatment and care by the doctors,the two children were dischargrd from hospital with nutrition feeds and supplements from hospital while COFCAWE provided boosts like flour for porridge,milk,Mukene (silver fish powder).
However during routine visits by the Safe guarding Committee and COFCAWE staff , it was noted by the officers that the children would deteriote in their health given the fact that they were routinely left under the care of the 11 year old Lukiya and sometimes they would take long hours before having a meal.The management and staff of COFCAWE during the feedback meeting resolved to having children resettled in a babies’ home.Through the probations office-Mayuge,a home visit was conducted by the Community development officer(Busakira Subcounty) with interviews with parents,village chairperson to verify the need for the childrens resettlement.
On a sad note,due to the bureaucratic proceedures involved in the resettlement process,the youngest child (Ruth Amina) her life.However,with support from Pobation offices(Mayuge and Jinja City),COFCAWE registered success when Kasim got resettled to babies’ home at Welcome Home Ministeries in Jinja
L-R,Kasim and Amina in Mwana mugimu (nutrition ) ward at Jinja children’s regional referral Hospital
The fateful day Kasim lost his sister
COFCAWE staff Maria with Kasim at Wecome home ministeries
Nakabambwe Jennifer's Story
Nakabambwe Jennifer is 21 years old and is married to Mr. Mpulimbi Karim who lives in Mabirizi Village. In her words, she notes that “COFCAWE has been supportive to me especially the staff. They usually call to check on us and do their routine visits to my worksop. At some point, they advised me on family issues and I was invited for a parents’ training and since then, my life has not remained the same.’’
Jennifer revealed that she got married at a tender age (17 years) and despite her husband being a secondary teacher, she hardly got even the very basics of life. ’It was very hard for me to get clothes, food, and the situation worsened when we got children.’’
Jennifer came to know about COFCAWE during mobilisation of teenage mothers in Mabirizi village through the local leaders. She was later enrolled in the tailoring class which she completed successfully. COFCAWE is working in Mabirizi because it is with in Busakira sub county, a programme area in Mayuge.
Jennifer was one of the vulnerable teenage mothers spotted during the screening exercise thus the need to support her. She went through the skills training(tailoring), training in financial literacy, group dynamics. Jennifer was also given a sewing machine and is also part of the VSLA group that received seed grant so she is able to access loans. The skills training was for six months and the support is ongoing because there is continuous monitoring and support as and when needed s regards to her business.
Jennifer is in position to buy household requirements together with her husband. ’’Am now able to buy for myself a dress and my children without waiting for my husband, my children are able to take milk at least four times in a week.’’My husband was positive because he later joined me in tailoring. During COVID period, schools were closed and being a teacher, we were short of funds so we agreed together with him and I taught him how to sew. He bought another machine and we started working together so our family income has increased.
Jennifer shared that the most significant moment was when she started earning income from the vocational skill. It was at that time when things turned around for her and her family. ’’We sit and decide together with my husband because I contribute to family income.’’I desperately need to see my community fight teenage pregnancies and early marriages because sometimes girls are pushed into marriage by parents and authorities cover up for them.’’
My plan for the future is to learn making bridal wears and to start training others. The biggest lesson Jenifer learnt was to work and plan together with her husband ‘’I learnt that working together with my husband in a transparent way is very vital and important if we are to realise any progress.’’
Jennifer encourages teenagers to desist from early marriage ‘’First of all, I would urge young girls to be patient, not to get married at an early age but stay in school if there is still an opportunity.’’ ‘’If they (teen mums) choose to get married, let them make themselves of value in their homes for example contributing to family income.’’
CASE STUDY OF TEENAGE PREGNANCIES AS A RESULT OF THE LOCKDOWN
Resty’s Story that forced her into Teenage motherhood
My name is Resty Nakyanzi, am 16 years old, I was in primary five before I got pregnant and it was during this lock down. My mother died a year back and my father started mistreating me, he started seeing me as a burden to him, he started telling me to find somewhere else to go. I was forced to leave home and went my auntie’s place, life was hard for me since my auntie was also struggling. In a bid to look for my basic needs, I ended up getting pregnant at this tender age. One of the biggest challenges I have faced with the motherhood status is that I still cannot believe that am a mother, I leave in self-denial and life is so difficult especially in supporting myself and my baby.
I would love to go back to school but my father’s cannot give me that chance. However If I ever get a second chance from any one, I would love to go and get a skill in tailoring, something that I believe can help me support my child since even his father doesn’t take responsibility. It’s therefore my appeal to be given a second chance if possible to rectify my mistakes.
Thank for the Opportunity of sensitizing us about reproductive health, if i had known this earlier, maybe I would have been patient and would not be a mother today at this age.
Leticia’s Story of Teenage Motherhood
My Na me is Naigaga Leticia, am 18 years old, was in Senior two before I gave birth. I got pregnant as a result of negative peer groups, most of the people I used to call my friends were young mothers who had dropped out of school as a result of early pregnancies and these always advised me to be like them. My parents often cautioned me about having wrong company but I paid a deaf ear until I found myself in the same category with them. My getting pregnant while still in school hurt my parents so much especially my father in that even after giving birth , he never and has never touched my child. I feel burdened and rejected and I wish I could make things rights.
If i ever get an opportunity of being a better person, I will utilize it especially in tailoring.
