Health 14 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
A Mother's Unyielding Strength: Raising a Child with Cerebral Palsy Alone
Judith Namugerwa has dedicated 15 years to caring for her son, David, who has cerebral palsy, after being abandoned by her husband. She faces daily struggles with poverty, stigma, and the immense physical demands of care. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/healthy-living/left-alone-to-raise-a-child-with-cerebral-palsy-5494478
In the early hours of the morning in Bwaise, Kampala, Judith Namugerwa’s day begins long before sunrise. Her 15-year-old son, David Magala, lives with cerebral palsy, a condition that impacts his movement and coordination, rendering him entirely dependent on his mother for survival. Lifting, cleaning, and feeding him are constant, physically demanding tasks that leave no room for rest.
Namugerwa’s life took a profound turn 15 years ago when her son was diagnosed. Her husband, Simon Byakuno, reportedly viewed the child’s condition as a clan aberration and subsequently distanced himself, leading to the dissolution of their marriage. This abandonment left Namugerwa to navigate the severe challenges of single parenthood in poverty.
Her journey has been one of constant instability, marked by the struggles of informal work, temporary housing, and significant financial strain. She recalls leaving her children with her mother in Masaka while she sought work in Kampala, aiming to provide for them. Further instability arose when she gave birth again in difficult circumstances, intensifying her battle to secure income, shelter, and provide care.
Life in Bwaise presented its own set of hurdles. After losing her job as a house help, Namugerwa faced eviction and a collapse of her precarious stability. She moved between low-paying jobs and temporary shelters, even residing in a shrine in Kawempe for a period, exchanging labour for basic sustenance.
David’s needs are extensive; he cannot walk or sit unaided, requiring full-time assistance for feeding and hygiene. Namugerwa admits they cannot afford nutritious food like chicken, often making do with less to satisfy David’s cravings. Essential supplies like adult diapers add to the recurring monthly costs, creating a significant financial burden.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, neighbours like Susan Nabutto offer crucial informal support, drawing from their own experiences with similar needs. However, experts like Daniel Sekyanzi of Golden Souls Uganda highlight the pervasive stigma surrounding cerebral palsy, which often leads to neglect and discrimination. Counselling psychologist Evelyn Kharono Lufafa emphasizes that cerebral palsy is a neurological condition, not a curse, and early parental acceptance is vital for accessing necessary therapies and support services.
Namugerwa’s resilience is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her son, driven by the simple desire for his well-being. Her daily routine is a cycle of care, exhaustion, and brief respites, underscored by an enduring strength that holds their life together.
This article was originally published by the Daily Monitor.