By Ayubu Kirinya
Kedi Foundation, a non-profit non-governmental organization, has stepped forward with a generous donation of Shillings 35 million to provide a lifeline for a young boy in Mukono district who has been battling a congenital heart condition.
Henry Kizito’s journey has been one of both resilience and challenge. Born with an Atrial Septal Defect, commonly known as a hole in the heart, his young life has been marked by medical battles that his parents, Rita Nakintu and Henry Nsubuga, fought with unwavering determination. Unbeknownst to them, their child carried this congenital condition, leading to frequent hospital visits and mounting medical bills.
Their struggles were given hope when Kedi Foundation stepped in, ready to transform their lives. Rita Nakintu, Kizito’s mother, recounted the emotional rollercoaster they experienced when they were asked to raise Shillings 35 million for the much-needed heart surgery at Mulago Hospital. Their prayers were answered when the foundation, prompted by the awareness efforts of NTV journalist Andrew Kyamagero, stepped in to fully cover the costs of the operation.
Henry Nsubuga, the boy’s father, shared how they remained unaware of their son’s condition for the first six years of his life. It was only in June of this year that a comprehensive check revealed the heart defect, a diagnosis that took them by surprise and filled them with both fear and hope.
Stephen Keddi, the Director of the Kedi Foundation, expressed his organization’s commitment to extending help to those in need. He explained that the 35 million Shillings donation was part of their ongoing efforts, supported by international partners, to alleviate the medical burdens of families facing critical health challenges.
Keddi further unveiled the foundation’s larger mission. An allocated fund of US$10 million has been set aside to support Ugandans grappling with cancer and heart problems. This comprehensive initiative aims to alleviate the financial barriers that can stand in the way of critical medical treatments and interventions. Kizito’s surgery is scheduled for Thursday, August 17th at the Uganda Heart Institute, Mulago.