Survivor Stories
Nakato’s Story: Healing After Obstetric Fistula
Age 29 • Isingiro District • Obstetric Fistula
Following childbirth, Nakato developed an obstetric fistula, a severe childbirth injury that can cause uncontrollable leakage of urine or stool.
For months, she lived with pain, embarrassment, and isolation. She searched for help, but the surgery she needed was far beyond what she could afford. As time passed, she began to wonder if healing would ever be possible.
When Nakato finally received treatment, everything changed.
Today, she is healing and looking toward the future with renewed hope. The condition that once shaped every part of her daily life no longer defines her.
“I am truly grateful to the people who thought about women like us,” she said. “I will continue encouraging others to come for treatment.”
Nakato wants other women living with childbirth injuries to know they do not have to suffer in silence.
Mary’s Story: Restoring Strength and Hope
Age 20 • Rubindi, Mbarara District • Iatrogenic Fistula
Following the birth of her child by cesarean section, Mary suffered a surgical injury to her bladder that left her leaking urine continuously.
For six months, everyday life became a struggle. The constant leakage left her embarrassed and uncertain about what the future would hold. Simple daily activities became very difficult, and she wondered whether she would ever recover.
She underwent surgery elsewhere, but her symptoms did not fully improve. When doctors told her she would need additional treatment, she went home discouraged and continued searching for help.
When she learned about a childbirth injury treatment camp, she finally found the specialized care she needed.
After surgery, everything changed.
Today, Mary is recovering well and looking forward to returning to normal life.
“I am very grateful to everyone involved in delivering these services,” she said. “I will continue encouraging others to come and get help too.”
For Mary, healing has brought renewed hope and the confidence to look ahead to the future.
cured after years of uncertainty: stella's Story
Age 28 • Kyenjojo District • Childbirth Related Pelvic Condition
For four years, Stella lived with a childbirth related condition that required specialized surgical care. She visited multiple health facilities searching for treatment, but everywhere she went she was told she would need nearly $190 for surgery, far more than she could afford.
As the years passed, Stella grew discouraged and began to wonder if she would ever find help. Although her husband supported her and encouraged her to seek care, no facility they visited could provide the treatment she needed.
When Stella heard a radio announcement about a childbirth injury treatment camp, she decided to try one more time.
She arrived carrying another fear as well. She had been told previously that treatment would require the removal of her uterus.
Instead, the medical team carefully explained her condition and reassured her that her uterus would not be removed.
For the first time in years, Stella felt hopeful.
“The doctors clearly explained everything to me,” she said. “That brought me great relief.”
Today, Stella is healing and looking toward the future with renewed confidence.
She hopes other women living with childbirth injuries will know that help is available and that they do not have to live in fear.
Dry for the First Time: Ali’s Story
Age 6 • Mbarara District • Congenital Fistula
Since birth, Ali had lived with a congenital urinary condition that caused continuous leakage. From infancy, her mother searched tirelessly for help, visiting clinics and spending what little she could, but no one was able to provide a lasting solution for her daughter.
While other children attended school and enjoyed the freedom of childhood, Ali's daily life was shaped by a condition she could not control. Still, her mother never gave up hope that someone would find an answer.
Eventually, Ali 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. After evaluation, she was accepted for surgery and received specialized care from Ugandan surgeons trained to treat complex urogenital conditions.
For the first time in her life, Ali is dry.
She has returned to school with renewed confidence and the freedom to participate fully in childhood.
"She smiles again," her mother said. "Her confidence has been restored."
For Ali and her family, healing has opened the door to a future no longer defined by a treatable condition.
A Dry Bed at Last: Nantale’s Story of Healing
Age 24 • Kampala • Childbirth Related Urinary Incontinence
After the birth of her first child, Nantale began leaking urine continuously. What began as a childbirth injury became more than two years of discomfort, embarrassment, and uncertainty. This is good.
She sought help repeatedly, visiting her regional hospital three times, but she was unable to receive the treatment she needed. Later, she learned that surgery could repair her condition, but the cost, roughly $540, was far beyond what her family could afford.
During those years, Nantale became pregnant again. Still living with the injury, she continued caring for her family while wondering whether she would ever receive treatment.
Then she heard about a childbirth injury treatment camp in Mbarara.
Carrying her one month old daughter, she boarded a bus and traveled more than 160 miles across Uganda in search of care.
Within days of surgery, everything changed.
“It has been three days, and I have had a dry bed,” she said. “I am happy. I didn't know I would heal fully.”
Today, Nantale is recovering and encouraging other women to seek treatment.
She wants women living with childbirth injuries to know that healing is possible and that they do not have to suffer in silence.
Healing After Years of Silence: Atim’s Story
Age 30 • Mother of Three • Severe Perineal Tear
Atim’s injury began during the birth of her second child, when she suffered a severe obstetric tear that left her unable to control her bowel movements.
Even coughing or sneezing became something she feared.
For years, she lived quietly with the condition. When she became pregnant again, the injury worsened. Sitting became painful, and everyday tasks became increasingly difficult.
Doctors eventually told her that surgery could repair the injury, but the cost was beyond what she could afford. She returned home feeling hopeless.
Years later, she finally received the surgery she had needed for so long.
After surgery, everything changed.
Her pain was gone. She could sit comfortably again. For the first time in many years, she felt cared for, respected, and valued.
“I am returning home with a grateful heart,” she said. “What was done for me has changed my life, and I will never forget it.”
Today, Atim hopes other women living with childbirth injuries will know that healing is possible and that they do not have to suffer in silence.
A Tote That Supports Healing
With a gift of $100 or more, you will receive a handmade tote sewn in Uganda.
Your gift supports women seeking care for severe childbirth injuries by expanding access to surgery, training, and hospital capacity so more women can heal and rebuild their lives.