Bringing Hope Amidst Challenges: USSSU’s Impact in June 2024
- USSSU
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
At Universal Seniors Social Services Uganda (USSSU), every month brings new stories of resilience, struggle, and hope among the elderly in Manafwa District. June 2024 was no different,our journey took us into the homes of struggling seniors, where we provided psychosocial support, monitored health conditions, and oversaw ongoing projects like Wekwanya John’s new shelter.
Though challenges persist, our mission remains unchanged: to restore dignity, provide care, and create a community where no senior is left behind.
Home Visits: A Glimpse into the Reality of Seniors in Manafwa
As part of our routine home visits, we checked in on seniors, assessing their living conditions, hygiene, and overall well-being.
🔹 Key Observations:
✅ Many families made improvements in hygiene and sanitation following past action plans.
✅ Seniors living in mud-walled houses struggle with pests—a challenge worsened by poor sanitation.
❌ Malaria outbreaks are on the rise due to mosquito-breeding conditions near homes, worsened by crops grown too close to living areas.
❌ Many seniors still refuse to use mosquito nets, citing discomfort or lack of proper setup.
💡 We continue sensitizing families on the importance of proper hygiene, mosquito net usage, and accessing medical care when needed.
Psychosocial Support: Restoring Hope in Times of Despair
This month, we encountered two critical cases that required urgent intervention and counseling:
👵 Ms. Kituyi Mary (Severe Health Decline, Possible Hip Fracture)
Ms. Kituyi, once relatively stable, fell earlier this month and severely injured her hip.
Due to lack of transport and financial constraints, her family cannot take her to a hospital for proper assessment.
A local medical provider was called in, but her condition remains unchanged.
Appetite loss, dizziness, and general weakness have made her situation worse.
💡 Her family is supportive, but we continue offering guidance on how to care for her at home given the circumstances.
👵 Ms. Margaret Namarome (Wandering & Aggressive Behavior, Injured by a Bull)
Margaret has a history of uncontrolled wandering and violent outbursts, likely linked to mental health issues.
In one of her aimless walks, she was hit by a bull, resulting in head and hand injuries.
Her family had long given up on seeking medical help, but after a long discussion on the dangers of her condition, they have now agreed to take her back to the hospital.
💡 Next week, arrangements will be made to ensure she receives proper medical evaluation.
Building a Safe Home for Mzee Wekwanya: A Shelter Still in Progress
One of the most pressing projects this month was the construction of a shelter for Mzee Wekwanya John.
🏠 The Challenge: More Resources Needed
🔹 Construction began, thanks to generous donations from Walanga Church, St. Mark Walanga Committee, and USSSU (which provided 5 iron sheets and nails).🔹 However, funds ran out before completion—the project now needs:
✅ One more iron sheet
✅ More nails
✅ Additional funds to pay builders
💡 Despite financial struggles, our team remains committed to ensuring Wekwanya gets a safe home soon.
Ongoing Challenges & Call for Support
While USSSU has made significant strides, June 2024 revealed some ongoing struggles that need urgent intervention:
1️⃣ Seniors expect small essentials (sugar, soap, food) during visits
Many seniors live in extreme poverty, making them dependent on small provisions to survive.
We hope to store food supplies at the USSSU office for urgent cases.
2️⃣ Hygiene remains a challenge for some seniors
Soap distribution from USSSU has made a difference, but some seniors cannot afford to buy more when they run out.
Regular supply of soap, detergent, and hygiene kits would significantly improve personal care among seniors.
3️⃣ Limited resources for ongoing shelter projects
Mzee Wekwanya’s structure has taken more materials than planned, and donors who initially contributed are unable to offer more support.
We appeal for additional contributions to complete the project and ensure he has a proper home before the rainy season worsens.
4️⃣ Lack of transport to hospitals
Critically ill seniors like Kituyi Mary are stuck at home because their families cannot afford transportation to a hospital.
We need sustainable solutions, such as community ambulance services or transport sponsorships, to ensure seniors get medical care when they need it.
A Heartfelt Appeal: Help Us Make a Difference
USSSU remains committed to serving Uganda’s elderly, but we cannot do it alone.
💙 Your support can change a life today.
🌟 How You Can Help:
✅ Donate: Help fund shelter projects, medical care, food, and hygiene supplies.
✅ Volunteer: Join our team in home visits and counseling.
✅ Spread Awareness: Share our mission and encourage others to support.
📢 Visit www.usssu.org and make a difference today!
💡 Together, we can build a community where no senior is forgotten.
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