Bodybuilder seeking help after leg amputation

LIFE&STYLE 

Before the advent of Covid-19 in Uganda, Safalu Tamale, 28, a National team bodybuilder, had already started facing the darkest days of his life.

On February 2, 2020, Tamale went about his day normally, leaving his home in Najjanankumbi, Wakiso District. 

Because he was late for his engagement that morning, Tamale jumped on Boda Boda to quicken the journey.

Alas, as he approached Kibuye roundabout, a taxi rammed into the boda boda on which he was sitting, sending him and the rider into a crash on the ground. 

Feeling immense pain, Tamale realized himself laying on a sick bed at Jinja Main Hospital. 

"After a diagnosis on the injury, the doctors decided that my left leg had to be cut off, and this was done," Tamale says.

Being a body builder on the National team, the Uganda Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (UBBF) came to his rescue to cover part of his bills in hospital at the time of amputation. 

However, since he got amputated, Tamale has faced it hard. He says life without a leg is hard and being a bodybuilder, he needs to fix the challenge by getting an artificial leg. 

"The doctors told me that I need to undergo a process of getting an artificial leg and the whole process will cost sh5m. However, because I no longer do my full-time job, bodybuilding, I can not get this money. I need help so that I can get back on my feet, do what I enjoy most, represent my country and be able to feed my family," he says.

Currently, Tamale is being taken care of by his wife and young brother at his home in Najjanankumbi.