Tumusaidie Mama donates to mothers in Luzira prison

Jul 04, 2012

Some of the mothers cuddled their babies, while others breastfed theirs as the guests arrived. The occasion was putting a smile on the faces of the inmates at Luzira Women’s Prison and the guests were working mothers.


By Agnes Kyotalengerire

Some of the mothers cuddled their babies, while others breastfed theirs as the guests arrived. The occasion was putting a smile on the faces of the inmates at Luzira Women’s Prison and the guests were working mothers.

This was last month and the organisers were Tumusaidie Mama, a subsidiary of Mama Tendo Foundation and Secrets (a company that makes sanitary pads).

The corporate women and sponsors donated several items, including foodstuffs like maize flour, sugar, ground mukene (silver fish) and rice. Other items included sanitary pads, soap, knickers, toilet paper, vaseline and children’s clothes, shoes and beddings.

The officer in charge of Luzira women’s prison, Stella Nabunya, said one of the challenges female inmates face is lack of essentials because their families hardly visit them.

“I am happy that women like you could spare time to visit and donate to fellow women and their children,” she said.

One new mother was excited to receive disposable diapers. “It has been difficult to wash and keep my baby’s nappies dry, especially during the rainy season. The disposable diapers will keep my baby dry during the night,” she said.

Another mother could not hide her excitement when she was given sanitary pads. “My menstrual periods have been dreadful without sanitary pads. The packets I have got will sustain me for a number of months,” she said.

Judging from the way the mothers adoringly held the children’s clothes, it was easy to tell the donations could not have come at a better time. Most of their children were clad in ill-fitting clothes.

“I’m happy that my son has now got bigger clothes that fit him and will keep him warm,” said one mother. Frank Baine, the public relations officer of the women’s prison, said despite being incarcerated with their mothers, children are innocent. He said helping the mothers is one way of helping the children.

Catherine Ruhweza, the founder of Tumusaidie Mama, explained that the organisation chose to help breastfeeding mothers because they need support in terms of food and clothing for their babies.

“Breastfeeding for disadvantaged mothers like prisoners is challenging, yet it is an activity that is vital for the development of the baby. It also creates a bond between the child and its mother,” she added.

The ceremony was crowned by the cutting of cake, which the mothers feasted on with their children.

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