Ms. Ruth Nakazibwe's Story

Ms. Ruth Nakazibwe's  photo which was taken by Dr. Thadeus Mutebi on the day the patient presented herself for pregnancy test in April 2011.

The Uganda Cancer Research Foundation Luweero Integrated programme Paid a visit to
Ms. Nakazibwe Ruth,

A resident of Luweero Town in Luweero District

Date: 3^rd June 2011

Introduction

Ms. Nakazibwe Ruth some times known as Maama Sharon or Maama Mathias was today 3^rd June 2011 visited by a team from the Uganda Cancer Research Foundation Luweero Integrated Programme. Nakazibwe a born of Nakasongola district who studied up to primary seven dropped out of school because her parents could no longer afford to pay for her school fees. Nakazibwe, after dropping out of school, started surviving on her own as a market vender dealing in food stuffs.

Nakazibwe a mother of six (6) children was born on the 25^th September 1977 in a small village in Nakasongola district. In her life, Nakazibwe has had two husbands. With the first husband, they produced 4 children and with the current one, they have two children and in total six children. Nakazibwe is now having a breast feeding baby who is 1month and 2 weeks old.

Currently, Nakazibwe is running a small Kiosk which supplies soft drinks like sodas, quencher and water together with some snacks. And from her business, she can take care of her household necessities and also pay school fees for her children. Nakazibwe reveals that her business is rewarding and it is normally busy on Monday which is a market day for Luweero town.  Nakazibwe’s parents are both alive and once in a while, she gets support from them to take care of her financial challenges.

The UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme came into contact with Nakazibwe after she had presented her self for pregnancy test to Dr. Thaddeus Mutebi who is also a member and staff of the UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme. Diagnosing her, the Doctor realized that Nakazibwe had a swelling on her breast which was suspicious of a Carcinoma (Cancer) a condition she has been living with for 10 years.  The Doctor then advised Nakazibwe to have a biopsy taken off her breast. However since then, Nakazibwe has never turned up for the biopsy a condition which prompted UCRF members to follow her up to her home. 

Objective of the visit

• To establish the current state Nakazibwe is in
• To advise Nakazibwe to seek prompt medical support more so, to have a biopsy done
• To encourage Nakazibwe to appreciate that cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated early

CHALLENGES

·         The patient (Nakazibwe) is still living under denial

·         The patient thinks she has no financial support to go for a biopsy

·         Nakazibwe is still worried of the unknown and so fears to undergo a biopsy

·         Nakazibwe still lives under superstition that any person diagnosed of cancer is bound to die and no hope for a recovery.

·         Nakazibwe keeps consulting her parents who have assured her that if she goes for the biopsy and she is diagnosed of cancer, then she will start preparing for her funnel.

Activities carried out during the visit

• Counseled Nakazibwe and encouraged her to go for the biopsy early enough
• Established where Nakazibwe stays and gave her hope that cancer can be cured
• Advised Nakazibwe to share her condition with other women living in a similar situation

CONCLUSION

The visit of the UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme staff to Nakazibwe’s home is sign that UCRF members care for the wellbeing of the rural people particularly those struggling to survive with cancer. During this visit, members have been able to establish that there are still very many people living under superstition of the unknown, a condition (cancer) that has kept the patients to die a miserable death. Sometimes, such people would have survived but, given the nature of society these people live in and coupled with their academic backgrounds, death is accelerated. Members of the Uganda Cancer Research Foundation Luweero Integrated programme call upon charities, government and individuals directly and indirectly affected by cancer to join hands in the fight against cancer which is no longer a myth but a reality in society today.

For comments, submissions, concerns, critics kindly forward them to:

1.       Isanga Anthony

 UCRF Luweero Integrated programme

Email: isecoo@yahoo.co.uk / ucrfluweero@gmail.com (General Comments)

2.      Dr. Thaddeus Mutebi

Email: thadmut@yahoo.com (Medical Comments/issues)

UCRF Luweero Integrated Members' profile

UGANDA CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION LUWEERO INTEGRATED PROGRAMME
Email: ucrfluweero@gmail.com

       Members’ Profiles

Ms. Kaibanda Beatrice possesses a BA in Social Sciences from Makerere University, Kampala and a Certificate in HIV/AIDS Training of Trainers (TOT), Community Care and Support with The Aids Support Organization (TASO).  She has a work experience in care and support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) with Kasana-Luweero Diocese. She is the National Treasurer Uganda Cancer Research Foundation (UCRF), Treasurer Luweero Integrated Programme and the Head of Cancer Intelligence Unit UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme. 

Interest in cancer: having the passion to help members of the isolated communities especially women and girls that suffer from cervical cancer and reach an extent of dying without knowing what they are suffering from. Also to be a voice that advocates for early cancer detection and treatment in our local, grass root Health Centers. 





Ms.Gorret Nabukenya is an Adult and community Educator with a Bachelors Degree in Adult and Community Education from Makerere University. Currently I work as a Community Educator with HIV/AIDS Department Kasana-Luweero Dioceses. In UCRF I Work as the national Mobiliser Luweero Branch, the Secretary UCRF Luweero and also in charge of the cancer Prevention Unit-Luweero Branch.  Has worked with PSI Uganda as coordinator go-getters club Makerere University, Peer Trainer Gender Mainstreaming Division Makerere University and I am a member of Apitrade Africa dealing with Bees and its products. My interest in UCRF is the need to see a cancer free environment and to reduce on the number of cancer deaths in Uganda and the world at large mainly through the bottom-up approach.







Ms. Judith Nalugo possesses a Diploma in Secretarial Studies from Lady Valeria Vocational and Business College, Matugga. She has a work experience in Community Health Management with BRAC and as a Front Desk Manager with Kasana-Luweero Diocese. She is member of the Uganda Cancer Research Foundation and a committee member with the UCRF Luweero.

Interest in cancer:

Judith is convinced that with her skills she is in position in create awareness on cancer and with that a life will be saved.









Anthony Isanga possesses a Masters in Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, a BA in Philosophy from the Urbanian University in Rome and a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Uganda Technical College Masaka. He has a work experience in Social Communications, Administration and Research and working with Caritas Kasanaensis, Kasana-Luweero Diocese as Data Manager. Apparently he is the National Chairperson  Uganda Cancer Research Foundation. He is also the Resource Mobiliser for the UCRF Luweero.

Phone: (+256) 772 073 539/702 777 374;     

Email: isecoo@yahoo.co.uk







Ms. Immaculate Nassazi is a UCRF member for Luweero Integrated programme.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Computing from Makerere University Business School. She has a work experience as Assistant Finance Officer at with Sugar Corporation of Uganda Ltd (SCOUL) and an Executive Secretary at Kasana Cathedral Parish.

Hobbies

Reading, traveling especially to new places, meeting new people and sharing with them life experiences.





Mr. Mukisa Bryn Kalema possesses a Bachelor of Science Degree Secondary Education in Chemistry and Biology from Makerere University, Kampala and a Diploma in Secondary Education. He also holds a Certificate in Biblical Studies.

He has a work experience of 9 years as a teacher in the following schools: Springfield High School, Mulusa Academy-Wobulenzi, Glory High School, St. Kalooli Mulajje S.S and St. Kizito Katikamu Kisule Senior Secondary School.  He a member of The UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme.





Mrs. Maria Sserwanja possesses a Diploma in Primary Education from Kyambogo University and as per now she is accomplishing her Bachelors Degree in Music at Ndejje University Uganda. She has a work experience of 10 years in Education and currently teaching at St. Bonaventure Mulajje. She trains different groups in Music Dance and drama as well as being an adjudicator.   She is a member of the UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme at the same time an Executive member of the Uganda Cancer Research Foundation in charge of publicity and media Luweero branch.   She is interested in seeing cancer reduced through media and publicity.





Mr. Ssegirinya Joseph possesses a Bachelors of Accounts Degree from Makerere University, Kampala. He worked with the  Uganda Governmnet for ten years. He is the UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme Accountant at the same time a member of the Uganda Cancer Research Foundation. He is currently an accountant with HIV/AIDS Kasana-Luweero Diocese.





Mrs. Theresa Samanya Muluuta possesses a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Education from Makerere University, A National Diploma in Education from Kaliro Teachers College. She has a work experience of 10 years in Education and currently teaching at St. Kizito Katikamu Kisule S.S.  She has a vast experience in care and support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) with Kasana-Luweero Diocese. And is a member of the UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme who is interested in Cancer free area especially the girls at a tender age.





Mr. Wasswa possesses a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Education from Makerere University and a National Diploma in Education. He has a work experience of 5 years in Education and currently serving Head teacher for Kyabutaika Primary School in Luweero. He is a member of the UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme.  interested in cancer free environment.





Mr. Rugundana Josam, possesses a diploma Education from Kyambogo.He has a work experience of 10 years in Education. He is a member of the UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme and Cancer Awareness Assistant. 

Interest in Cancer: After seeing many lives of our beloved ones being put to and end due to cancer he felt he would help someone quit smoking, work on their diets and also encourage people to go for biopsy.





Dr. Mutebi Thadaeus possesses an MB ch B – Makerere University of Science and Technology (MUST).  He has been a Medical Officer at Bishop Ceaser Asilli Health Centre Kasana since August 2009.

Why he joined the UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme? To help sensitize communities about cancers in a language understood at a subsidized level, thereby help in prevention and access care for affected people.





Bro. Anthony Musisi is the Chairperson UCRF Luweero. He possesses a Bachelors of Arts Degree (Social Sciences) from Makerere University, a Diploma in Science Technology (Biological Techniques) from Uganda Polytechnic Kyambago, Diploma in counseling from Uganda Martyrs University-Nkozi, an Advanced Certificate of Education (Caltec Academy-Makerere), Grade III Teachers Certificate (Shimon Teachers’ Training College), and an East Africa Certificate of Education (Uganda Martyrs College Alokolum-Gulu and Mutolere Secondary School-Kisoro).  He has a work experience with Kasana-Luweero Diocese as the Diocesan Secretary to date, Rubaga Boy’s Primary School-Kampala as Headmaster, Mugwanya Preparatory School Kabojja as Headmaster, St. Savior Junior School-Kisubi, Mpigi as Teacher and St. Theresa Primary School-Entebbe, Mpigi as Teacher.  Apparently he is the Chairperson for the Luweero Uganda Cancer Research Foundation and also an executive member of the Uganda Cancer Research.

Interest in UCRF: to know more about the cause and treatment of cancer

Phone: (+256) 702 442 067/   Email address: anthonymusisi@yahoo.com

 Dr. Onyachi Nathan is a member of the Uganda Cancer Research Foundation Luweero Integrated Program.

He possesses a Bachelors of Science in Medicine and Masters in Surgery. 

He has a vast experience in the medical field. He has also worked in several hospitals and currently he is the Director Gulu Referral Hospital.

Mr. Denis Kabiito Felix: He is a member of the Uganda Cancer Research Foundation, Luweero Integrated Program. He possesses a Bachelors of Science in Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (MUK) and a Masters in Public Health. He also possesses a Certificate in Information Technology and Global Information System.

His passion for Cancer: To have a health community free from cancer and its devastating effects.



UCRF in Luweero in May 2011

Since January 2011, we have been quietly reviewing our program. We have made many exciting changes, built membership, and developed some innovative grassroots programs. over the next few weeks, we will try to bring you weekly updates of our work. We invite you to share our stories through our blog. Please feel free to make comments. We value your opinion.

FIELD VISIT TO THE HOME OF MS. FLORENCE NABISINDE

VILLAGE: NGOGOLO, KASAALA –LUWEERO DISTRICT

BY: DR. THADEUS MUTEBI AND ISANGA ANTHONY UCRF LUWEERO INTEGRATED PROGRAMME STAFF

DATE: 20/05/2011

Introduction

Dr. Thadeus Mutebi and Mr. Isanga Anthony both staff of UCRF Luweero Integrated programme made a field visit to the home of Ms. Florence Nabisinde a resident of Ngogolo village in Kasaala Parish, Luweero District. Ms. Florence is a widow aged 55years. Florence and her late husband gave birth to 10 children unfortunately one of them passed away. Florence lost her husband 4 years back leaving her in the care and support of 9 children. Apparently three children are in school and under the direct support and care of Florence and the rest are surviving on their own.

On an unfortunate note, presented with a swelling on the private parts (labium) which was suspicious of a Carcinoma (Cancer). A biopsy was taken off and it revealed Invasive squamous all carcinoma.  Since then, this condition has affected her social, financial and emotional stability. Florence who used to earn her living through sewing clothes, can no longer afford to operate a sewing machine especially given the nature of the machine which is manually operated, a condition which not only gives her emotional stress but also despair in life.

The visit of UCRF Luweero Integrated programme staff to her home/house, brought a lot of hope, counsel, calm and a beginning of her emotional recovery.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of the visit was:

·         To give hope/counsel Florence.

·         To encourage Florence to seek expertise treatment

·         To know where Florence lives and establish her current state

ACTIVITIES:

During the visit, UCRF staff carried out the following activities:

·         Counseled Ms. Florence Nabisinde who looked down cast and in despair

·         Encouraged Ms. Florence not to act under stigma

·         Advised Florence to seek prompt medical support, consultation and treatment

CHALLENGES

·         The patient (Florence) is stigmatized

·         The patient has no financial support to get further medical support/consultation

·         The Patient is worried of her after month after the medical investigations above all, death given the contention that whoever contracts cancer has no much hope for recovery

CONCLUSION

Following our visit to the home of Florence, it is evident that the patient needs prompt and continued support from the UCRF Luweero Integrated Programme and other related organisation local and International as well as government. Besides, Florence is living under stigma not sure about her tomorrow, the future of her children and the entire family at large is at stake, a condition so difficult to comprehend. Besides, for her, Cancer is an incurable disease a condition which has kept her a disgruntled person. Florence and many patients living a similar condition deep in rural parts of Uganda often die a very miserable death!

In the picture is Dr. Thadeus Mutebi counseling Ms. Florence Nabisinde a Cancer Patient at her home in Ngogola, Kasaala Parish in Luweero.

In photo is Mr. Isanga Anthony a UCRF staff having a moment of sharing with Ms. Nabisinde Florence at her home on the 20th May 2011