It’s not surprising that some say there has been a culture of self-preservation and suspicion throughout Uganda. Years of living under a brutal dictator followed by recent struggles and internal conflict have left many wary of helping others. Yet slowly, through the example of sacrifice and trust shown by some truly remarkable people, things are beginning to change.
Tearfund partner ACET has a branch office in Kitgum Uganda’s northern region. By working alongside local churches and encouraging them to support some of the most marginalised people – those living with HIV and AIDS – it is succeeding in transforming the hearts and minds of the people.
In Kitgum the local church has offered practical support to those in need; taking them to hospital should they happen to fall ill at night; helping people to take their medication on time; visiting the sick and encouraging them, as well as supporting their children in schools.
As a result there has been a shift in attitude within the wider community. Previously unheard of acts of kindness and sacrifice are now becoming increasingly common, like the time when the local village leader and pastor of a nearby church worked together in the middle of the night to take someone to the main hospital, 6 kms away.
Before the programme started, misconceptions abounded about those with HIV and AIDS. Catherine Acheng was divorced by her husband because of her ill health and banished to her father’s home. When her family learnt that she was HIV positive they turned against her, suspicious that she would infect them. The rejection, stigma and isolation took its toll on Catherine, dragging her health down further, closer to death.
Yet gradually her situation changed once she was enrolled in the ACET-sponsored programme. With consistent home visits, quality nursing care and long conversations with her relatives, her family begun to gradually take care of her. Now she has more support from her family than ever before.