Who Is There To Support Such Vulnerable Elderly People Who Are Abandoned By Relatives In Our Communities Of Greater Masaka Region?

August 07, 2023

Picture: Mama GALO (Honest Waliggo) Conducting A Needs Assessment of A Programme Participant during A home Visit At Nakayiba- Kitovu Cell, Masaka City.

It is common to abandon older people in several communities because they are considered un-productive and of no benefit. This is not right because they are human-beings and they deserve to be cared for and respected as dignified persons.

It requires every one of us to support and sustain people of advanced age. It is not only their relatives who have to care for them. This way when all of us are involved it means people of advanced age can lead better lives too.

Today while I was at the office at Grace and Love Win Organization (GALO), I received a phone call from one of the community members (Geraldine Nakuya) who is a neighbor to an old man. This old man stays alone in the house. Geraldine was concerned about the old man’s health and living condition. She called on GALO because she heard about our work. She called in order for GALO to help this old man. She was referred to GALO and she was able to reach out to us. We quickly went there and hear the old man’s story. Our office is five (miles) away from where the old man stays. Our Executive Director made preparations to move to the place where the old man stays. We planned to have an interview as a way of assessing the conditions to find out how we can support him.

Interviewer:

What are your names and what led you to stay alone?

Interviewee (Seebigo Muhammad):

My name is Seebigo Muhammad, I am 86years old, I was born in July 1936. I live in Nakayiba- Kitovu Cell, Masaka City. I stay alone in the house which is not mine, someone asked me to keep this place. When I had the energy, I used to be employed as a gardener in order to get food. Right now due to advanced age I am no longer able to do. My health is deteriorating and living condition cannot enable me to thrive. My children died a long time back. I have grandchildren but I don’t even know where they stay.

Interviewer:

We are so sorry to hear this story but we are also grateful that you are able to open up. Let us continue with your story.

Interviewee (Seebigo Muhammad):

I do not have an immediate biological family, but my neighbours have become my family who are giving me support. I find a challenge in getting food, I don’t sleep well and I need bedding, clothing, medication and Shelter. Recently, I was given notice to move out because the owners of this place want to use their house.

Interviewer:

We are here to assess you and see how well we can support you.

Interviewee (Seebigo Muhammad):

I am facing all these challenges because, I have no relatives to support me, and I cannot help myself because of my poor health condition.

Interviewer:

We are about to finish this interview what do you want us to do immediately? We shall return with more news for you. We are not rich but we shall share with you the small support package we have come with.

Interviewee (Seebigo Muhammad):

I request you to help me with food, bedding, clothing, shelter and medical care. I need a house where I can call my home. Thank you so much GALO.

The Need: We need $2,700 to buy a plot of land outside the Masaka city, build simple and decent two roomed house and to provide psychosocial support for Mr. Seebigo Muhammad. The plot will also be his resting place for eternity.

Thank you for your Support.

Pictures: Mama GALO (Mrs. Honest Bukirwa Waliggo ) Conducting a Needs Assessment for Programme Participants During Home Visit on 15th June 2023.