Thank you, Madam Gladys (program manager) for giving me a platform to share my story and standing in as a mother and mentor to too many less privileged Ugandans. I never imagined in life that wonderful people existed until I joined the Community Health and Information Network (CHAIN) from St John’s SSS Wakiso which transformed my life not only academically but also socially, mentally, and financially.
Am a Ugandan aged 24yrs residing in Najjera-Kira municipality. My father died in 2012 which was a negative turning point in my life. He left me in P.7 as a second-born of six. We were left with our mother who was illiterate and all she did was farming for domestic consumption.
Looking for a better earning, she carried us all to a single room she rented in Naalya where she happily got a job as a supermarket cleaner but her salary was just enough to pay for rent and one meal a day. She registered the six of us in a U.P.E school in Kiwatule but her salary was too little to afford the school requirements and the only option was to drop out.
I was lucky enough that I excelled with a first grade in PLE that earned me a half bursary in Springfield High School and I supplemented it with a work program where I used to weed the school garden for four years and paid my fees.
I also got a first grade that earned me a bursary at St John’s Wakiso Senior Secondary School thanks to Mr. John Ggayi the director and the late Mr. James Mukasa the head teacher.
Now my hope seemed to have ended when I didn’t get government sponsorship for university which was my only hope for further studies until I was identified by CHAIN from 2019 – 2023 which sponsored me until I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and majored in Accounting from YMCA Comprehensive Institute.
My thank you is a long one to chain for touching and inspiring the lives of the less privileged Ugandans to find a purpose for living. When I got in contact with other children sponsored by Chain but at lower levels, I remembered my life before and when I compare myself to now, I get all the reasons to encourage them to stay strong so their future is brighter.
While at the University, I was employed at Kiwatule People’s SACCO as a cashier during the daytime and attended classes in the evening which gave me 3 years of experience. The impact I received from CHAIN gives me reasons to always impact a life whenever a chance comes.
I started up a project of training youths in skills of liquid soap making, candles, and black books and employed over 10 youths who sell and make our products.
While at campus, I got in touch with a colleague in Information Technology and we developed a blind assistant application which is a mobile app that assists visually impaired persons to read printed text.
The blind assistant application won an award in the Science and Innovation Challenge which was organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2021. It also won in the youth ideation cohort 1, organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Am now Officially Married with one Child.
All thanks go to CHAIN and I can't conclude my gratitude without mentioning the Global Orphans Assistance Fund (GOAF) in my life for inspiring lives.
I attach All My Success to Community Health and Information Network (CHAIN) for having exposed me to a world of brilliant brains and Innovations through my academic Journey.
I pledge also to support CHAIN and the vulnerable children that may be unable to get education.
Thank you.
Alex Magezi joined the Orphans and Vulnerable Children programme in 2007. He was supported by CHAIN for 9 years from 2007 – 2016 at Ntare school in Mbarara. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics at Makerere University Business School in 2017. He has since acquired a Master of Business Administration – MBA (Majoring in Project Planning and Management) and is working for an international organization.
CHAIN is proud to say that, it has improved the quality of life of Ugandan children, who without the OVC programme, would not be where they are now! Our prayer is that they too support those in need.
Born in a family of nine, and raised by a single mother, life wasn’t simple as you could imagine. Nevertheless, I grew up a proud ambitious young man with big dreams. When I commenced school in the late 90s, all seemed easy as a flowing river but little did I know that life can become rough.
It was in 2001, after the death of my beloved mom when I realized what it really means to exist in this world, everything seemed impossible on my side. As a little boy, I ran out of ideas but remember my performance at school was promising. By God’s grace the proprietor of my primary school then “KIGUMBA CENTER PRIMARY SCHOOL” awarded me a bursary.
In the year 2005, I emerged as the best pupil in the “PRIMARY LEAVING EXAMINATIONS” (PLE) in the whole district. Can you imagine only me having 4 aggregates in the whole district, it was beautiful.
In 2006, Community Health and Information Network Uganda (CHAIN) sponsored my education career forward up to the tertiary level where I qualified as a medical radio-technologist with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) Makerere University, KAMPALA in the year 2018.
This was all achieved by the efforts of my beautiful people, VIRGINIA LADD, JERRY LADD (RIP), and the entire CHAIN staff, These people showed me love and passion, and frankly speaking, I never lacked school fees during this journey. I owe you all my success and am extremely humbled.
In a special way, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Mrs. REGINA KAMOGA for her good leadership and accountability as far as the less privileged children are concerned.
Through this profession I would like to offer my services diligently with love and passion towards my people, and this puts a smile onto my face. In cases where CHAIN needs me for radiological services/consultations I will always be available to do that. It’s all been possible due to hard work, patience and above all resilience in whatsoever I do.
CHAIN Uganda made me who I am today; it’s through commitment, resilience, hard work and being focused. CHAIN opened up my mind and exposed me to turbulence of the world.
Through holiday programs, I learned to relate and associate with different categories of people, this helped me realize my strength and weaknesses.
My hands are wide open to support the OVC programs of CHAIN Uganda and also urge every stake holder, the public, the international community and well wishers to reach out and support this noble course. One by one makes a bundle.
I hope my story can put a positive impact onto the life of a vulnerable child out there for a better future; for God and my country.
In the annals of history, a tale unfolds – the remarkable journey of Munyigwa Asaph Elly. I was born in the year 2000 at Kiteezi village Nangabo Subcounty in Wakiso District. I am the last born in a family of 5 children. The year was 2003, a time of sorrow and loss when fate dealt me a cruel hand, robbing me of my beloved parents. We were left in the hands of our elder sister by Names Namuli Flavia who was only 14 years of age at the time. A case of a child-headed family! The situation was dire; our sister did not have any source of income to take care of us or take us to school. She was a child herself!
Yet, amidst the darkness, a beacon of light emerged in the form of Community Health and Information Network (CHAIN) with support from the Global Orphans Assistance Fund (GOAF), reaching out to embrace the young boy and change the course of my life forever.
Enveloped in CHAIN Uganda’s compassionate care, my path was illuminated with the gift of education. It was in 2004 that my academic voyage began at Kiteezi Church of Uganda Nursery and Primary School, where the foundation for my future success was laid. At Kiteezi village, there lived a lady by names of Mrs, Kiwanda who was the Head teacher of Kiteezi Church of Uganda Nursery school, she identified me and connected me to CHAIN Uganda.
The ensuing years saw CHAIN Uganda’s unwavering support propel me through Wampeewo Primary School (primary one to primary seven, 2007-2013), where my dedication to learning and innate leadership qualities blossomed. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I resolved to make a difference, inspired by the belief that he could be a guiding light for others who faced similar struggles.
With each passing milestone, Makerere High School Migadde beckoned, and I entered a new chapter in my life. I spent six years at Makerere High School, Migadde from 2013-2019 (senior one to senior six). Challenges and opportunities intertwined, but my spirit remained unyielding. Undeterred by the odds, I embraced my circumstances, resolute in my mission to be a beacon of hope for those around me.
In the twilight of my high school journey, I took a bold step and ran for the prestigious position of Head Boy. My rallying cry, “Believe Again,” echoed through the hearts of my fellow students, uniting them in a shared sense of hope and optimism. Winning the election was just the beginning of the impact i would create.
Credit goes to CHAIN Uganda for organizing holiday break program which was my crucible of transformation, molding raw potential into polished skills. Amidst those learning-packed breaks, I discovered the power of my voice through public speaking and honed a myriad of other skills. Little did I know that these lessons would lay the foundation for a bold stride I would soon take.
Becoming the Head boy wasn’t just about title, it was a testament to the confidence gained, the leadership acumen honed and the resilience nurtured through those holiday programs.
Empowered by CHAIN Uganda’s support, I initiated charity outreach programs, gathering essential items for those in need and extending help to nearby primary schools who were universal primary school education oriented. In the smiles of countless children, I witnessed the rekindling of hope, fostering a belief that kindness and compassion can mend even the most broken spirits.
The echoes of My leadership reverberated far and wide. The High School Leadership Program “HLD” recognized My exceptional efforts and awarded me the esteemed title of Students’ Leader of the Year in 2019 – a testament to my unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
“From a first grade triumph in senior four to the pinnacle of 15 points in senior six, these milestones are etched in my journey with emotions that words struggle to capture. Each grade, each point, a testament to resilience, perseverance and unyielding dedication. A first grade ignited the spark of possibility and 15 points fanned it into a blazing reality. These achievements hold not just academic weight, but the weight of dreams nurtured, barriers shattered, and the unwavering belief that with determination, nothing is impossible”.
Now, at Uganda Christian University in year three (2023), My journey ventured into a new chapter as I pursued my dream of becoming a lawyer. Running for the position of President of the Uganda Christian University Law Society, I sought to inspire hope in the face of uncertainty, reaching out to support those experiencing hardships akin to my own.
Under my leadership, the “5K Campaign” took flight – an extraordinary endeavor to raise tuition for students facing financial challenges. Together with my dedicated cabinet, we have transformed lives and sowed the seeds of change, demonstrating the power of unity and shared purpose.
On the 2nd day of August 2023 at International Islamic University in Uganda, I was voted on the Executive committee of the Uganda Law Students Association a body that represents all law students at Uganda law society.
This body consist of six serving law society presidents from different universities and I was able to take this bold and a successful move.
“In a world where challenges can often overshadow dreams. It has been truly remarkable to witness the transformative impact of CHAIN Uganda. People are always surprised by the fact such organizations still exist, providing not only 100% bursary for education but also extending their support to cover essential needs like pocket money, hostel fees, and clothing. This level of comprehensive care is a testament to the unwavering dedication of organizations like CHAIN Uganda, who continue to defy the odds and bring genuine change to the lives they touch.”
Looking toward the horizon, I aspired to wield the sword of justice, defending those who could not afford legal services. In unwavering solidarity, I pledge to stand by CHAIN Uganda, the organization that breathed life into my very being, I pledge to provide free legal aid whenever they would call upon me by the organization. I pledge to mobilize all CHAIN alumni in a bid to support CHAIN in the effective cause of supporting Vulnerable Children, because I know that there are many children out there who need help like I did.
I would like to call upon the generous hearts across the globe to join CHAIN Uganda in supporting vulnerable children. Your support can be the bridge to a brighter future for Ugandan Children through CHAIN Uganda.
Through My tale of resilience, leadership, and boundless compassion, the world witnessed the audacity of hope. Rising from the depths of despair, I emerged as an agent of change, transforming lives as CHAIN Uganda transformed mine. And so, as this extraordinary narrative finds its home on the CHAIN Uganda website, it stands as an eternal beacon of inspiration. A reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope, determination, and the warmth of a caring community can illuminate the path to a future brimming with boundless possibilities.
Racheal Nantume joined the CHAIN orphans programme in 2007 after she excelled in her Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). She was among the best students in Mukono district with 4 aggregates (English: Distinction 1, Math: Distinction 1, Social Studies: Distinction 1 and Science: Distinction 1). She was admitted at Mount St. Mary’s College Namagunga for her secondary school education from 2007 to 2012.
Nantume’s mother who said she had lost her husband and had no means to support her to continue with school , could not believe when she was told that CHAIN will support her up to university level without asking her to pay anything! Due to her excellent performance she again excelled in her Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) and was admitted on government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at Makerere University, one of Uganda’s top universities. She has since acquired a Master of Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management at the University of Leicester- United Kingdom and works for an international organization.
CHAIN is proud to say that, it has improved the quality of life of Ugandan children, who without the OVC programme would not be where they are now! Our prayer is that they too support those in need.
Nantume’s moments at CHAIN
Nantume talking to the children, giving them tips on how to excel in their academic performance during the holiday break- May 2014 at CHAIN offices
Community Health and Information Network (CHAIN) is a Non-governmental Organization, located at Kiwenda, Busukuma Subcounty, Wakiso district, Uganda. The Organization has been very instrumental in transforming the lives of the vulnerable section of the community, I am a living testimony to that effect and ever grateful to the NGO for identifying and supporting me at the time when I had lost hope in life, and now am able to stand alone. I want to take this moment to welcome you to my story and how CHAIN was able to intervene.
My name is Ogwal Jolly Joe, a Langi by tribe, a Ugandan by Nationality. I was born on 2nd December 1983 to Ogwal Richard (R.I.P) and Hellen Ogwal, in Ayi-loi village, Okere Parish, Adwari Sub-county, Otuke District, Northern Uganda. My father was a primary school head teacher but unfortunately passed on at 41 years in 2000 when I was still in Senior Three. My parents produced six of us, but one passed on at a young age due to measles and the rest of us are alive and being taken care of by our mother.
After the death of my father in 2000, I started looking around and realized that my strong desire for academics was heading towards the dark zones, as my mother did not have the capacity to pay my school fees.
Nevertheless, I and my mother, resorted to distilling “waragi” commonly known as “ Lira-Lira” one of the drinks loved and consumed so much in Northern Uganda. I was thus, able to sit for my “O” Level exams at Adwari Secondary School in the year 2001. Because of disruptions; distilling of waragi and the constant attacks by the Lord resistance Army (LRA) rebels in the area, my performance was not all that good, but I was admitted for “A” Level studies at the same School in 2002.
Towards the end of term term one in the year 2002 of my S.5 studies at Adwari S.S, I was sent home to collect school fees because it had not yet been paid. That evening while at home, we heard roumers that LRA rebels were just a few kilometers from our home, so we went to a nearby village to hide.
While in that village, my mother and two of my young sisters slept in the compound, while the boys including me and my young brother (9 years) slept under a nearby tree, 70 meters away from them. Early in the following morning at around 6:00Am, the LRA rebels attacked the home where we had taken refuge. I heard the villagers making a lot of noise and trying to run for their lives, when I stood up to know what was happening, I heard one of the rebels commanding, “ the young boys are right there, run after them and bring them here”. I grabbed my mat, a bag and the younger brother and of course started running. The rebels were very determined to abduct me because, I dropped all what I had carried, including my younger brother, but still they followed me. Infact, one of them tried grabbing me by the shirt, but I managed to forcefully unbutton my shirt and left it with him, allowing me to continue running until I became safe.
When I reached at home, I was told that my young sister (Eunice Atino) had been taken away by the rebels, my mother’s plea to the rebels to leave her daughter, was not listened to by the rebels. Fortunately, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces had deployed their personnel a few kilomters to Aliwang Mission and Adwari S.S, where the rebels were heading towards to abduct the students. The LRA rebels entered the UPDF ambush at around 9:00 am, fighting ensued and my younger sister whom had been ubducted a few hours ago, managed to escape unhurt even with the raining gun bullets. She had mastered this road, because most of the time she would be sent by my mother to visit me at School, therefore she managed to move upto home and reunite with us.
Because of the frequent attacks by the LRA rebels, the people of Otuke including our family, became unsecure and so moved to Lira Town and other places for safety. For my case, i left studies and moved to Kampala to stay with my Auntie, Jane Agnes Okello who by then was a secretary at Judicial Service Commission. While in Kampala, I was able to access good study materials that belonged to my cousins whom had studied in some of the good schools around Kampala. I joined the business of making “ajono”, a local Iteso drink made out of Millet since my auntie had already established it and was making some money out of it. I realized some money that I used to repeat Senior Four in Our lady of Consolata SSS, Kireka.
The school was quite affordable and I scored a first grade. My commitment to studies, made my Auntie to transfer me to Kyambogo Collage School for “A” Level studies, where I operated as a day scholar. I offered; History, Economics, Geography and Divinity and scored 23 points (1ABBA). I put a lot of effort to pass well in “A” level because, I had been told by my auntie that she had no money to pay my university fees considering that she had four children at University.
When the different Government Universities released the names of students who had been admitted on government sponsorship for 2006/2007 academic year, I was disappointed that my name did not appear in any of the three universities I had applied. This became another hell for me, I went to the office of Academic Registrar MUK to lodge in my complaint and seek for how I could be helped. I was told to wait until the next academic year (2007/2008) when they could give me a course.
While walking down from the office of the academic Registrar with my tears rolling, I decided to stop a bit at the University noticeboard to check on the courses whom some of my friends had been admitted to. I came across an advert from CHAIN that had just been put saying, “A good Samaritan wants to Sponsor a needy student who has scored 17 points and above, coming from Northern Uganda is an advantage”.
I immediately wiped my tears, removed the advert and pocketed it because I considered it my golden opportunity and did not want any other person to access it. I contacted the management of the NGO through the telephone number that had been provided in the advert, the officer directed me to their offices as indicated above. When I reached there, I was given a parental welcome by the staff of the organization and I started recollecting myself with the feeling of restored hope.
A number of candidates were subjected to both oral and written interviews for the one slot sponsorship opportunity to study in the U.S. I passed the interviews and was offered sponsorship for the course I had applied for which was Bachelors of Procurement and Logistics Management at Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda . All my university dues; tuition, functional and accommodation fees were paid promptly ,I also used to receive upkeep for all the years I was at the university. CHAIN would link us to our sponsors who we would communicate with on a regular basis.
My sponsors were Mr. and Mrs Ladd ( Jerry and Virgnia), who showed me a lot of care and love and sent me several gifts. I graduated in 2010 and Upon my graduation, I was lucky to join government service in 2010 as a security officer and apparently am deployed in Eastern Uganda.
The employment has made be to build a house for my mother, a house for myself, marry a woman (with whom we now have three children), and as well as be able to pay fees for 02 orphans whom am taking care of. Apparently, am back to School pursuing a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at Uganda Christian University, second year.
It is because of the above background that, I would like to thank Jerry Ladd (R.I.P), Virginia Ladd and Executive Director for CHAIN (Regina) for handpicking me from the dark corner and bringing me to corner of the world where there is light that has made me able to be self- reliant.
I call upon all people out there to support CHAIN so that they are able to support more children like me.
May God Bless You All!
I am Akochil Moses, aged 31 years, single and first born of the family out of 8 sibblings that God blessed my parents, Mr. Emorut Simon Aede ( a soldier) and Mrs AmongJennifer Lucy (peasant); resident of Morulinga village, Olilim parish, Palam subcounty of Katakwi District in North-East Uganda.
I must confess of being proud of Community Health And Information Network (CHAIN) for their enriching hearts towards sponsorship of the less privileged children irrespective of their color and tribe; including me.
In a special way, sincere gratitude are extended upon the executive director CHAIN – Ms Regina Kamoga for her warmhearted and generosity and above all, offering me a listening ear to tell her my narrative of a need for a bursary when I met her at Makerere University where she was invited as a guest of honor during the children’s debate competition that was organized by Medical Face International (MFI). In 2018, my request was approved for sponsorship.
Initially, before CHAIN bursary, my studies were in struggling state and I almost saw myself out of school as a dropout for failure to pay tuition which Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Science (UIAHM) – Mulago required me to pay to complete my diploma course in physiotherapy.
This was attributed by the fact that my mother who was responsible for my tuition failed to raise it since her endeavors in subsistence farming and charcoal burning was insufficient to pay school fees. It was at this moment that I met Ms Regina. My mum had recalled me back home after several attempts to get financial support including a loan scheme – which was all in vain.
The main cause of my mother being the only one responsible for the family needs was majorly attributed to the escalated gender violence against women and children by my father which he adopted from the IDP camps during the Kony war, Karamojong cattle rustlers and other natural calamities like floods that affected Teso sub region.
Upon receiving CHAIN’s bursary, I was able to complete my three year diploma course in physiotherapy in 2021 and graduated in November 2022. This has enabled me achieve my dream of at least having a minimum qualification for the job market and now am able to offer a service to the public. CHAIN also impacted my life by building my social capital through its trainings organized on patients’ rights in which I participated.
Currently, I am employed by the ministry of public service through ministry of education and sports under the education service commission to work as a laboratory assistant at Palam Seed Secondary School in Palam sub-county, Katakwi district.
This has enabled me to cater for my family’s basic needs including paying fees for my 4 siblings who are in senior six(girl), senior four and one (boys) and primary six (girl) respectively.
The job has also enabled me to acquire a loan which enhance me to acquire a motor bike (second hand) that makes my movements easy to find part time jobs and also opened up a salon for my brother who dropped out of school in senior four due to lack of school fees and now he is able to make ends meet.
My future plan is to acquire a good paying job in line with my professional qualification; setup a small scale business for my mother to enable her get daily income, continue paying school fees for my siblings in order to enrich their potential and get back to school to acquire a bachelor’s degree in medical related discipline at a recognized university and later establish my own hospital.
God bless every hand that has contributed towards my success.