Teens raise funds to save Mulago

Aug 06, 2013

A team of teenagers from families in Kampala has launched a fundraising drive to raise money in support of the children’s ward at Mulago Hospital.

By Joseph Wanzusi
 
A team of teenagers from families in Kampala has launched a fundraising drive to raise money in support of the children’s ward at Mulago Hospital.
 
The team is led by Esther Musisi, the daughter of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) executive director, Jennifer Musisi and Sheila Gashumba, the daughter of city businessman Frank Gashumba
 
Esther is working under her charity organisation, One Dollar To Save A child, while Sheila is under her charity organisation Young Bodies Big Hearts.
 
Own savings
The teenagers used their own savings to organise the event, but used their parents and friends as connections to attract top city tycoons and the corporate class members.
 
Esther said the objective of the campaign is to raise money so that they can make a difference in the lives of the children at Mulago.
 
“We want to buy basic necessities such as soap, diapers, bedsheets, food and mattresses so that when the children are undergoing treatment, they have a comfortable environment that would help them quickly respond to treatment,” said Esther.
 
Medical funds
She added that her group plans to set up a medical fund at the ward, where children whose parents cannot afford the prescribed drugs are given a voucher to purchase the medicine.
 
“We don’t have to wait to do great things, but rather start small. These little things can create a difference in the life of someone out there,” said Sheila.
 
The event held in Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Friday had former Miss Uganda contestants modelling in clothes designed by young and upcoming designers. There were also performances from children dance groups, all for charity.
 
Minister applauds children
Presiding over the function, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, the Minister of Health, applauded the young people for their efforts to improve the lives of the less privileged in society.
 
“Many young people would rather spend their time and money enjoying themselves, but the fact that you have chosen to contribute to the wellbeing of others cannot go unnoticed,” said Rugunda.  
 
He noted that Mulago is overstretched and, therefore, cannot effectively serve its clients, adding that the Government has set strategies to help counter the problem.
 
“Funds are already in place for the construction of the women’s hospital at Mulago. Two other hospitals will be constructed in Makindye and Kawempe divisions to help de-congest Mulago,” said Rugunda.
 
Parents speak out
Jenniffer Musisi said she was equally astonished by what the children had managed to come up with in such a short time.
“These children do not go to the same schools and others study abroad.
 
However, the fact that they could use their social networks in such an innovative way is very challenging, especially to us the parents,” she said.
 
Gashumba said they will guide the children and ensure the funds are directed to the intended purpose.
Allen Kagina, the commissioner general of Uganda Revenue Authority, who is the patron of the children’s group.
 

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