Mildmay Uganda: "Just Know I am Healthy and Living Positively"
"I cannot forget my friends from Jajja’s Home. They loved me so much that I am who I am today."
Roy P, a donor and supporter of our work in Uganda, reached out to reconnect with the legacy he and his late wife, Yvonne, helped build. He wanted news of Lwanga Andrew, whom they met during visits to Jajja’s Home, a core part of Mildmay Uganda’s Children’s Palliative HIV/AIDS Care Services. Their support for Andrew formed part of a deeper relationship with the children and staff, where their daughter, Nicki, volunteered for three years. The children had named the programme “Jajja’s Home” (“Grandma’s Home” in Luganda*).
Roy recalled their involvement fondly: “It would have been nice to know how Lwanga Andrew matured into adulthood and his prognosis for the future. I was sure someone at Jajja’s Home remembered my daughter Nicki and maybe her parents. We met Ruth Sims (Mildmay’s former UK CEO and International Director, based in Uganda) and, of course, her wonderful staff, the Jajja’s ‘Aunties,’ spending a couple of weeks with them and all the children.”
Thanks to the efforts of Agnes Nakanwagi, Psychosocial Services Manager at Mildmay Uganda Hospital, we traced Andrew. At 24 and living in Greater Kampala, he shared his gratitude for the support he received from Mildmay Uganda and for Roy’s family’s generosity, which enabled him to complete his education and gain vocational skills through an apprenticeship.
Andrew was thriving, earning a living in the construction industry. He said: “I appreciated Mildmay Uganda for supporting me since childhood… I could not forget my friends from Jajja’s Home. They loved me so much that I was who I was today. God bless you abundantly. Just know I was healthy and living positively. I am virally suppressed and happy about life. I love you all and I know one day we will meet and catch up.”
Andrew’s journey is a testament to the long‑term impact of Mildmay Uganda’s work. His success reflects the dedication of our team and the invaluable role of donors like Roy and his family in providing essential care and hope to children in need.
Roy’s renewed support for Mildmay has helped sustain vital services for children living with HIV and fostered a brighter future for those, like Andrew, determined to live full and healthy lives.
*The Bantu language of the Baganda people, widely used in Uganda and having over 2 million speakers.