‘I did not know i would live up to today’
WHEN she was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS while in primary school, little did she dream of making it to university, let alone survive up to today.
By Frederick Kiwanuka
WHEN she was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS while in primary school, little did she dream of making it to university, let alone survive up to today.
But Margaret Namutebi is among the 3,000 students joining Makerere University on the Government sponsorship.
Namutebi scored AAAO in history, luganda, divinity and entrepreneurship. She is going to study a Bachelor in Information Technology.
It has been a tough journey for the 19 year old orphan. She endured poor health, pressure of studies, stress and stigma.
Born in a family of five, Namutebi‘s widowed mother died in 2002.
Her father had died three years earlier. Both parents succumbed to HIV/AIDS.
Namutebi would regularly take readings at Katikamu Parish Church where she met Father Gerald Wamala, the assistant parish Priest.
Wamala paid her fees and provided scholastic materials.
Later, the Kasana-Luweero Diocese HIV/AIDS project, took responsibility in paying Namutebi’s fees, buying books and footing her medical bills.
Namutebi managed to pass her Primary Leaving Examinations with a second grade, joining Senior One at St.Kizito Katikamu-Kisule Senior Secondary School.
She passed her ‘O’ level at the same school. “I used to see some of my classmates pointing at me and telling new comers, “that one is sick. It used to disturb me so much,†she says.
In January, after completing her examinations, Namutebi was put on ARVs, a new twist in her life that she has had to embrace with courage.
“When I was told I was to start taking ARVs, I cried in the hospital,†Namutebi recalls.
Since January, Namutebi is getting treatment at Bishop Acili Hospital in Luweero town.
She now speaks at conferences and churches, says she wants to get a bigger platform to encourage other HIV positive youths to take courage.
“Take courage and study. You never know you may make it. I did not know I would live up to today,†Namutebi advises the HIV positive youth.
WHEN she was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS while in primary school, little did she dream of making it to university, let alone survive up to today.
But Margaret Namutebi is among the 3,000 students joining Makerere University on the Government sponsorship.
Namutebi scored AAAO in history, luganda, divinity and entrepreneurship. She is going to study a Bachelor in Information Technology.
It has been a tough journey for the 19 year old orphan. She endured poor health, pressure of studies, stress and stigma.
Born in a family of five, Namutebi‘s widowed mother died in 2002.
Her father had died three years earlier. Both parents succumbed to HIV/AIDS.
Namutebi would regularly take readings at Katikamu Parish Church where she met Father Gerald Wamala, the assistant parish Priest.
Wamala paid her fees and provided scholastic materials.
Later, the Kasana-Luweero Diocese HIV/AIDS project, took responsibility in paying Namutebi’s fees, buying books and footing her medical bills.
Namutebi managed to pass her Primary Leaving Examinations with a second grade, joining Senior One at St.Kizito Katikamu-Kisule Senior Secondary School.
She passed her ‘O’ level at the same school. “I used to see some of my classmates pointing at me and telling new comers, “that one is sick. It used to disturb me so much,†she says.
In January, after completing her examinations, Namutebi was put on ARVs, a new twist in her life that she has had to embrace with courage.
“When I was told I was to start taking ARVs, I cried in the hospital,†Namutebi recalls.
Since January, Namutebi is getting treatment at Bishop Acili Hospital in Luweero town.
She now speaks at conferences and churches, says she wants to get a bigger platform to encourage other HIV positive youths to take courage.
“Take courage and study. You never know you may make it. I did not know I would live up to today,†Namutebi advises the HIV positive youth.