Survivor Stories
Dry for the First Time: Ali’s Story
Ali is six years old and from Mbarara District. She was born with a congenital condition that caused continuous urinary leakage. From infancy, her mother searched for help, visiting clinics and spending what little she had, but no one was able to offer a lasting solution.
Eventually, she was referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where a surgical camp led by Professor Musa Kayondo and supported by The Musa Project was taking place. Ali was evaluated and accepted for surgery.
She received surgical repair from Ugandan specialist surgeons.
Today, Ali is dry for the first time in her life. She has returned to school with renewed confidence and freedom.
“She smiles again,” her mother said. “Her confidence has been restored.”
Ali’s healing reflects the importance of access to skilled, locally led surgical care for girls facing complex urogenital conditions, whether present at birth or acquired later in life. Each year, Professor Musa Kayondo and his team provide specialized treatment for a small number of girls facing these challenges.
Ali did not have to live the rest of her life with a treatable injury. Your gift helps expand access to the care that restores dignity.
A Dry Bed at Last: Nantale’s Story of Healing
For more than two years, 24-year-old Nantale lived with a childbirth injury that caused constant leakage. She searched for help but could not afford the surgery she needed.
Then she heard a radio announcement about a free medical camp supported by The Musa Project. Women with childbirth injuries were invited to come for evaluation and treatment.
Nantale traveled from Kampala to Mbarara with her baby in her arms, hoping this would be her chance.
At the camp, she received care from Ugandan specialist surgeons and hospital teams during a free medical camp supported by The Musa Project. After surgery, for the first time in years, she slept in a dry bed.
“I am so happy,” she said. “I never imagined I would heal completely.”
Today, Nantale is returning home restored — able to care for her child without fear or shame.
Her healing reflects the power of skilled, locally led surgical care made accessible to women who would otherwise go without treatment.
Nantale was able to heal because skilled surgical care was within reach. Your support helps ensure more women can access that care when they need it most.
Healing After Years of Silence: Atim’s Story
My name is Atim. I am thirty years old and a mother of three.
My journey with this condition began during the birth of my second child. It was a difficult delivery, and I suffered a severe tear. While I was still in labor, the nurse assisting me was called away for an emergency. When she returned, she told me to clean myself. From that moment, I could no longer control my stool. Even coughing or sneezing became something I feared.
For years, I lived quietly with this injury.
Five years later, I became pregnant again. Because of shame and fear, I did not attend prenatal care. When labor began, I went to the local hospital and delivered a healthy baby. But after delivery, my condition worsened. The tear became larger, and even sitting was painful.
Some time later, I went to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital after hearing a radio announcement about cancer screening. I did not have cancer, but the doctors explained that I had a childbirth injury that required surgery. I was told the cost. I had no way to raise that amount, and I returned home feeling hopeless.
Then one day, I heard another radio announcement. Women with my condition were being invited to come for free treatment at a medical camp supported by The Musa Project. I borrowed money for transport and traveled to Mbarara, arriving early because I could not risk missing this chance.
After surgery, everything changed. My pain was gone. I could sit comfortably again. I was given food, transport home, and a new dress. For the first time in many years, I felt cared for, respected, and valued.
I am returning home now with a grateful heart, ready to tell other women that help is possible. What was done for me has changed my life, and I will never forget it.
No woman should wait years for treatment like Atim did. Your support helps expand timely, life changing surgical care.