Kennedy Ssebbanja is the only child born of her mother and her relationship with the father remained unstable at the time she worked as a food vendor. UCC social workers identified her during focus group discussions while conducting community outreaches.
Her story was unique, emotional and portrayed gender-based violence a typical African woman faces in unstable relationship or marriage. The husband was an alcoholic who battered her daily and didn’t support her to cater for home basic necessities. To make matters worse, the husband vanished before she delivered her only first child and never to be seen
again. Whether the troubled and traumatized life was the cause, she was knocked by a running car which
left her with a damaged brain.
She received some treatment but was not sustainable, the condition gets some relapses which fails her to concentrate to do any meaningful work. Apparently, she suffers from a mental health condition that requires unceasing medication.
For Kennedy, this did not disempower him, but rather strengthened him to become dedicated, motivated and forward looking to achieve his goals. He is one of the few dedicated beneficiaries manifesting hard work in whatever he is doing. His academic performance is good and depicts a lot of discipline which is a key driver for all achievers.
During the lockdown, Kennedy did casual work on building sites to raise money to contribute to the purchase of medicine for his mother now with mental problem issues. Some of the drugs are expensive and strong which require a lot of drinks and good nutrition. Thanks to UCC which partnered with Kennedy to ensure that the mother gets good care and treatment.
Currently, the mother is not working, she receives support from relatives, neighbors and charitable organizations like UCC. Kennedy’s support to the mother is highly appreciated because many sick peopledied during covid-19 and associated lockdowns as no services were easy to access. Public transport was not active, health centres and hospitals are distanced, markets and shops increased prices for items, and many other challenges arising out of the situation.
UCC will definitely continue to support parents and children who are facing various challenges that have disabled them from continuing to do their daily work or attend studies respectively. We thank our partners both local and international who continue to support
us in our humanitarian work in needy communities.