The Uganda Empowers Home Visiting Program consists of a group of counselors that visit people with HIV and/or AIDS in the Lwengo-Kyawagonya. Uganda Empowers visits people at home so that we can offer resources and advice to those that are in need. The Home Visiting Program is also a way for people to share their story.

Client Name: Nasali Teddy
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Additional Information: Nasali Teddy was interviewed by Counselor Matsiko John Bosco. She is an orphan and has a 7 month old baby.

Nasali Teddy shares her story:

I was born with HIV. I got it from my mother. My mother died when I was 8 months and I never knew my father. My grandmother supported me and I was able to attend school up until Primary 6, but I had to drop out because she lacked the funds. In October 2010, I met a boda-boda cyclist. He lied to me and said that he was going to pay for me to enroll in hairdressing school. He also said that we would get married. I had to accept because I wanted an education. I wanted to be able to support myself in the future. He insisted that while we were waiting to get married, that we should have sex.

When I became pregnant the man refused to support me. I am lucky that God watched over me and that the delivery went well, but currently this man wants to take my baby! When I refused, he said that he would kill me! He abuses me whenever we meet and even attacks my grandmother.

Matsiko John Bosco asked her what her greatest concern is. Nasali Teddy answered:

My grandmother is too aged, I don’t have money for my medications or to support my baby. Even so, the biggest concern of mine is this man who threatens to kill me, assaults me and my grandmother, and takes my baby, the only pleasure that I have! I am sick, I have no money, and I have no relatives to go to so that I can hide myself and my baby. The simple option is that I have to kill myself before this man kills me!

Matsiko John Bosco’s advice:

I asked her if she has ever taken her matters to the legal side (by going to the police), she said she has never! I explained her how unlawful it is to take a baby less than 2 years from its mother in Ugandan Family Act! As far as being threatened to be killed by her man, I advised her to get some evidence and to report the case to the police! We talked a lot on the legal side and I gave her a chance to think about it. Also I thanked the grandmother for being so supportive!

Matsiko John Bosco’s observations:

• Much support and care from her grandmother.
• Proper adherence and compliance of treatment.
• Good sanitation
• Poor nutrition.
• Neglect and stigma from the community.
• Lack of financial help.

Teddy and her baby.