Kemigisha

Uganda

For three decades, WFF has been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women like Kemigisha, a courageous 17-year-old from Kakumiro District, Uganda.

Kemigisha’s labor began on a Sunday afternoon in late November. Despite the pain, she continued with her household chores until her mother noticed her discomfort and rushed her to the nearest health facility. After several hours of stalled labor, Kemigisha needed to be rushed to a better-equipped hospital to receive lifesaving care for her and her baby. Unable to afford an ambulance, her mother called a boda boda (motorcycle) driver who took them on the three-and-a-half-hour trip to reach a hospital that could treat her.

After an extended labor, Kemigisha gave birth to a healthy baby but soon faced another challenge as she discovered that she had a ureterovaginal fistula (UVF). Kemigisha’s condition persisted, causing her immense physical and emotional pain. She felt isolated and embarrassed by the leaking urine, which led to strained relationships with her family. She felt like a burden.

Kemigisha’s hope was rekindled when a friend informed her about free treatment for women with fistula at Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital (TWCH). With the support of her grandmother and a survivor who connected her to TWCH via their outreach line, Kemigisha received holistic care, including health education and individual counseling sessions. She underwent successful surgery just two weeks later, in February 2025.