A Season of Healing and Growth: USSSU’s October 2024 Report
- USSSU
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
As Universal Seniors Social Services Uganda (USSSU) continues its mission to uplift and care for seniors in Manafwa District, October 2024 was a month of care, connection, and progress.
From visiting the sick and expanding vegetable gardening initiatives to mobilizing support for our upcoming medical camp, this month proved that community collaboration and consistent care can create a lasting impact.
However, the ongoing health challenges among seniors highlight the need for increased medical support and public awareness about elderly well-being.
Caring for the Sick: The Urgent Need for Medical Support
Sickness among the elderly remains a major concern, with malaria, colds, and body pains increasing in frequency as the season changes.
🏠 Seniors in Critical Condition:
🔹 Ms. Margaret Namarome, who began psychiatric therapy last month, is showing improvement. She is now under the care of her daughter, who ensures she takes her medication on time. While she still experiences body weakness, the therapy has helped control her movements and behavior.
🔹 Mzee Paul Khiisa, Mzee John Wekwanya, and Ms. Keziah Nekesa are in constant pain but are unable to travel to hospitals due to mobility issues and financial constraints.
🔹 Mzee Wekwanya’s home lacks a latrine, making sanitation a serious challenge. While the community helped dig a 15ft hole, the project remains incomplete due to a lack of materials.
💡 This month reinforced the need for an emergency medical fund to assist the sick with treatment, transport, and essential medications.
📸 A look at our sick seniors who urgently need support:
Paul Khiisa – Struggling with chronic pain.
John Wekwanya – In urgent need of a completed latrine.
Keziah Nekesa – Frail and unable to access medical care.
Growing Health & Income: The Success of Vegetable Gardening
🌿 Our vegetable gardening project has proven to be a game-changer for seniors!
📌 Key Highlights:
✅ Many seniors are now harvesting vegetables, providing them with fresh food.
✅ Some clients have even sold excess produce, making up to UGX 20,000 ($5) in earnings!
✅ Families no longer lack sauce for their meals, as vegetables have become a regular part of their diet.
✅ With ongoing rains, several clients plan to replant crops, though limited land space remains a challenge.
🎉 This initiative is not just about food—it’s about self-sufficiency and dignity!
📸 Photos of seniors harvesting vegetables from USSSU-provided seeds.
💡 Future Plan: Continue supporting small-scale projects like vegetable gardening, as they offer sustainable solutions to food insecurity and income generation.
Building Momentum for the December Medical Camp
🚑 Our most anticipated event—the December 11, 2024, Medical Camp—is fast approaching!
📌 Efforts to Publicize and Secure Support:
✅ Letters have been sent to authorities, ensuring government and district health office backing.
✅ The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and District Health Officer (DHO) have pledged support.
✅ Local health facility leadership is fully on board.
✅ Discussions with Open Gate FM for radio announcements to raise awareness.
💡 Radio advertisements cost UGX 25,000 ($6.50) per announcement, and the station is willing to run frequent ads if supported. This would help us reach a larger audience and ensure more seniors attend the camp.
📌 Challenges:
Banks and supermarkets were unresponsive when approached for support.
NSSF showed interest and is considering internal donations.
Rotary Clubs in Mbale have shown promise, and continued engagement could secure more resources.
📸 With Rotary Club members after lobbying for medical camp support.
💡 Next Step: Strengthen outreach efforts to secure more funding and resources for the medical camp.
Key Lessons from October 2024
📌 What We Learned:
🔹 Small-Scale Projects Create Big Change – The vegetable gardening initiative proved that small interventions can significantly impact nutrition and income levels.
🔹 An Emergency Medical Fund is Needed – Many seniors suffer unnecessarily due to a lack of transport and basic medical support.
🔹 Networking is Key – Collaborating with established organizations like Rotary Clubs and medical institutions can open doors for better support.
🔹 Public Awareness is Crucial – The medical camp needs more publicity, and securing more media coverage is a priority.
🔹 Better Office Communication is Needed – Currently, USSSU lacks an official local phone line, making it difficult for potential donors and partners to reach us.
💡 Action Plan:
✅ Strengthen partnerships with other organizations working with the elderly.
✅ Expand radio promotions for the medical camp.
✅ Seek funding to complete Wekwanya’s latrine project.
✅ Launch a dedicated medical relief fund for emergency cases.
How You Can Help
💙 Your support is the key to a senior’s survival.
🌟 Ways to Make a Difference:
✅ Donate – Help provide medical care, food, and shelter.
✅ Volunteer – Join us in supporting and uplifting seniors.
✅ Spread Awareness – Share our mission and encourage others to get involved.
📢 Visit www.usssu.org and be part of the movement today!
🚀 Together, we can ensure that every elder in Manafwa lives with dignity, care, and hope.
Full Report:
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