Elspeth Robinson’s testimony from Kumi Community Foundation, Uganda

In 2002, after being made redundant from St John of God Hospital in Scorton, North Yorkshire, I found myself on a life-changing journey to Kumi Hospital in eastern Uganda. This visit marked the beginning of what would become the Kumi Community Foundation (KCF), an organization dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable in Uganda. Confronted with the realities of poverty, I was moved to create a foundation that would serve the disabled, and the malnourished in some of the most remote regions of the country.

Over the years, KCF has become a lifeline for many. Our work is centered around the holistic assessment of each family’s needs, ensuring that we address not just their physical but also their spiritual needs. The outreach team identifies and supports individuals in need by providing essential medical care and equipment, ensuring children and disabled individuals receive necessary treatments and assistive devices without financial burden. Our efforts also extend to alleviating poverty, addressing sickness and distress, and advancing education—particularly for disadvantaged and disabled children and adults in the Teso region of Uganda.

One of our first projects was a house built for Stephen, the father of Rose and Mary, two daughters with physical and mental disabilities. We funded the construction materials for their home, which, even after twenty years, remains in good condition. Stephen’s son, Sam, whom KCF supported through secondary school and university, is now a dental officer at Kumi Hospital.

Our housing initiatives have continued to expand, especially through our participation in the 13 Houses Campaign. This Campaign has deepened my understanding of global homelessness and strengthened my commitment to addressing this critical issue. Since submitting our first project for Peter and his family in 2020 to this international Vincentian initiative, KCF has built around ten houses and repaired many more. Each home stands as a testament to the generosity of our supporters and the profound impact of our mission.

Take the story of Moses, a paraplegic orphan who lives with his grandmother. With the support of KCF, they now reside in a modest two-room house with a veranda, where Moses repairs bicycles. This work allows him to earn a living and support his household.

Then there’s Christine, the mother of Grace who has been blind since birth. Christine was abandoned by her husband’s family after being raped and giving birth to Grace. Her dilapidated grass hut was beyond repair, so KCF stepped in to build a new house. Grace, now excelling in sports at Magale School for the Blind, recently won a gold medal in a national event.

Our efforts are ongoing and go beyond merely providing housing; we aim to tackle the root causes of poverty. As partners with Kumi Hospital, we support a range of essential services, including disability rehabilitation, nutrition, surgery, dentistry, and the provision of mobility aids. Our support helps ensure that even the most marginalized have access to essential healthcare.

Reflecting on our journey, I am reassured that our efforts have not been in vain. The 13 Houses Campaign has not only expanded our impact but also strengthened my sense of belonging to a global community dedicated to compassion and service. Despite being a small organization, KCF’s impact is profound. Each family we support represents a step toward breaking the cycle of poverty.

My education in a Vincentian atmosphere has deeply connected me to the charism of St. Vincent and St. Louise. The insights gained through the 13 Houses Campaign, about the harsh realities faced by so many around the world, only deepen my commitment to continue walking in their footsteps. Our faith binds us together in prayer and strengthens our collective efforts.