Sh105 million raised to save Mapesa

By Sarah Nakamwa                 

The fund-raising drive to save Moses Mapesa the former executive director Uganda Wild Life has raised 105 million out of the 396 million.

Mapesa needs a born marrow transplant that will be carried out in the US.

The drive was launched on April 22, 2015 by collogues, professional friends both in Uganda and outside.

Mapesa started working as a research assistant and rose to the helm UWA.

He served at the top conservation organization in Uganda for about two decades until he left in 2010.                         

He is currently working as a private consultant and serving on the boards of local and global conservation bodies including the World Conservation Union.

“Why not give back to such individual who worked so much for the industry, we are ready to support,” said Eric Ntale the public relations officer, Association of Uganda Tour Operation (AUTO). 

“Mapesa is currently on a drug that will help reduce the frequency of blood transfusion until when the transplant procedure is done,” Eunice Nyiramahoro Duli, chairperson fundraising committee noted.

He is going through a blood transfusion every week, which is more painful and expensive.

Mapesa will be going to Mayo clinic center-Arizona on August 11, 2015 as the doctor managing his condition recommended for preliminary tests and assessment.

He will travel back to USA in October for the transplant and stay for a year under observation.

This amount has been collected from individuals, former workmates, family, tourism companies and others.

“We have one ticket offered by an individual that will take him, but we need another one and for the care taker” Nyiramahoro said in the press conference held at Sheraton.

In attempt to get the remaining money, the team is organizing an exhibition to auction art pieces and hope to get support from the corporate community and organize a performance by a local music artist on July 18, 2015.

The exhibition is promoted by Sheraton,  Afriart gallery, AUTO and  Miss Tourism; under the theme: Art for hope, to raise the remaining 291 million onto account name: Moses Mapesa, number:6004677593 in Barclays Bank, Rwenzori court Branch.

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