Restoring Dignity, Strengthening Community: USSSU’s May 2024 Impact

At Universal Seniors Social Services Uganda (USSSU), every month brings new challenges—but also renewed hope. In May 2024, we continued our mission to uplift, support, and restore dignity to the elderly in Manafwa District.

Through home visits, advocacy, awareness sessions, and community-driven initiatives, we saw firsthand how small acts of kindness can change lives. Here’s a look at what we achieved this month.

Home Visits: Understanding the Urgent Needs of Seniors

This month, our team conducted home visits and follow-ups to check on seniors, ensuring they were receiving the care they need. For those we couldn’t visit in person, we kept in touch via phone calls.

🔹 Key Observations:✅ Some seniors showed improvement, thanks to community support and better nutrition.

❌ Others remain weak and sick, struggling with limited medical access and transportation issues.

❌ Many seniors are too weak to use motorcycles, which are the primary mode of transport in the area.

💡 The lack of accessible transport and healthcare options continues to be a major challenge.

Case Highlights: Stories of Strength and Survival

👵 Ms. Mary Kituyi (95 years old)

• Has undergone several hernia surgeries and is now too weak for another operation.

• Family provides her with painkillers and nutritional support.

• A grandchild has stepped up to offer food supplements, improving her health.

👵 Ms. Kezia Nekesa (86 years old)

• Suffers from chronic pain and poor nutrition.

• Settled in Manafwa from another district and lacks strong family support.

• Fortunately, Rtd. Bishop Samwiri Wabulakha’s family has been supporting her.

👴 Mzee Paul Khiisa (82 years old)

• Has been sick for 32 years, with no financial resources for advanced medical care.

• Encouraged to maintain good nutrition and pain management.

• USSSU’s Christmas and Easter packages have improved his living conditions.

Each of these cases reminds us why USSSU exists—to bring relief to those who have nowhere else to turn.

Lobbying & Advocacy: Building Homes, Securing Futures

Our commitment to improving living conditions took a major step forward this month!

🏠 Helping Wekwanya John (80 years old) Get a New Shelter

• Lives in a collapsing structure that can no longer protect him from the elements.

• Walanga Church and St. Mark Walanga committee raised materials to build him a new home.

• USSSU contributed 5 iron sheets and nails for roofing.

• Construction is set to begin on June 8, 2024—but we still need additional support for a bed and mattress.

💙 This is what true community care looks like—standing together to protect our elders.

Empowering Families: Spreading Awareness on Aging Challenges

Many families struggle to understand how to properly care for aging relatives. This month, USSSU focused on educating caretakers and the community about the realities of aging.

👨‍👩‍👧 Key Issues Discussed:

🟢 Many seniors live alone, leading to loneliness and fear—especially at night or when they fall sick.

🟢 Negative community attitudes toward aging often leave seniors feeling like a burden.

🟢 Caretakers struggle with limited resources and handling seniors with complicated behaviors.

Community Impact: General Awareness Sessions

We held a special awareness session at USSSU’s office, attended by seniors and their caretakers. Discussions covered:

• How aging affects physical and mental health.

• Challenges seniors face, including low income and poor living conditions.

• How families can better support and include their elderly members.

💡 Participants left with a greater understanding of aging—and requested more of these life-changing sessions.

A Milestone Achievement: Official Recognition from Manafwa District Government

🎉 USSSU has officially been recognized by the Manafwa District Local Government!

This is a major step forward, ensuring that our work is acknowledged and supported at the district level. With this recognition, we can:

✅ Expand partnerships with local government programs.

✅ Strengthen advocacy efforts to secure more funding and resources for seniors.

✅ Ensure USSSU’s long-term sustainability in serving the elderly.

🚀 This is just the beginning—bigger things are ahead!

What We Learned This Month

🔹 People want to help when they understand the need—our awareness campaigns are making a difference.

🔹 Aging education is critical—many people don’t realize the struggles seniors face until they are informed.

🔹 Food security remains a major concern—many seniors cannot afford regular nutritious meals.

🔹 Simple gestures, like community visits, bring hope—sometimes, just knowing someone cares makes all the difference.

Seniors Speak: Testimonials from Those We’ve Helped

💬 Grace, 78 (Manafwa District):"The support from USSSU has been a blessing. The medical camp and the regular food hampers have significantly improved my health and well- being. I feel cared for and valued."

💬 John, 82 (Bubulo Ward):"The new community toilet has made a huge difference in our daily lives. It's much easier to use, and we feel safer and more comfortable."

💬 Sarah, 75 (Namweke Cell):"USSSU's programs have brought us together as a community. The social activities and medical camps have provided us with essential s services and helped us form stronger bonds with each other."

How You Can Help

💙 You can be the reason a senior in Manafwa sleeps in a safe home tonight.

💙 You can provide a meal for someone who hasn’t eaten in days.

💙 You can ensure an elder receives medical care when they need it most.

🌟 Ways to Get Involved:

✅ Donate – Help us provide food, medical aid, and shelter.

✅ Volunteer – Join us in serving seniors in need.

✅ Spread Awareness – Share our mission and encourage others to support.

📢 Visit www.usssu.org and stand with Uganda’s forgotten seniors today!