By Sr. Maria Goretti Kabakaali, DST National Coordinator, CRSHIU
For the Catholic Religious Sisters Health Care Network Uganda, the ending year 2025 has been a journey of grace, courage, and renewed hope for the communities they serve.
As an initiative rooted in the Gospel call to uplift those who suffer in silence, the Network has witnessed lives restored, families strengthened, and communities encouraged to believe again in the dignity of every mother, every child, and every young person.
The birth injury repair camps remain a testimony to what compassionate and skilled care can achieve. This year, 62 women received life-changing surgical treatment in the dioceses of Kasese, Fort Portal, and Jinja.
Each woman arrived carrying a burden of pain and shame, often after years of silent suffering. Many returned home healed, standing tall, and ready to embrace life again. Their gratitude continues to echo in the hearts of those who served them. These moments served as a reminder that every woman’s experience is sacred and deserves patience, compassion, and love.
In Kitgum, 102 women received cervical and breast cancer screening. Three women diagnosed with cervical cancer were supported and referred for further care, and four women with fistula were also guided to treatment. When health challenges seem overwhelming, a simple gesture of accompaniment— such as providing transport to the hospital—can make the difference between despair and hope. In Kampala and Gulu Provinces, thousands of young people were reached through school health talks and radio programs. Their questions, fears, and eagerness to understand their bodies revealed a deep thirst for guidance and truth. Many shared their struggles with early marriages, pressure at home, and lack of support. These encounters underscored that prevention begins with knowledge, positive role models, and safe spaces where young people can speak openly. The catechists, Catholic Women Associations, Village Health Teams, and some community members were trained to continue sensitizing families.
Their presence at the grassroots strengthens the mission and helps reach those most vulnerable, especially teenage mothers who often require more than health information. They need encouragement, economic opportunities, and reassurance that their lives still have purpose.
One of the most moving moments of the year was the follow-up visit in Kasese, where eleven women who had undergone surgery returned to share their stories. Their testimonies spoke of long years of pain transformed into joy and renewed dignity. Deep gratitude to the Hilton Foundation, whose support has made it possible to reach so many who rely on this initiative for hope and healing. While challenges remain, the Network looks to 2026 with renewed determination and hope.
