Hope for Henry

Hi, my name is Alastair Taylor and, for many years, I have been associated with a Ugandan organisation called Kulika Trust. It supports livelihood development across Uganda through training small-holder farmers, refugees and the urban poor to improve their nutrition and income. This is done through practical training and start-up support, for men, women and youth, to engage in sustainable organic production, and start small businesses. The Executive Director of Kulika Uganda is Mrs Magdalene Amujal Ogwang, a lady of huge passion, energy and vision, for whom I have a great deal of respect.

It is because of the qualities of Magdalene and her concern for others, that I was more than willing to open this GoFundme campaign when her son recently became very sick. I was requested, not by Magdalene, but her fellow Kulika Uganda colleagues who respect her leadership and want to be with her during her time of need. The following is what these colleagues wrote and asked me to post on GoFundme:

"Henry Ogwang (the son of Magdalene) is a compassionate, smart and football loving 22-year-old who is currently pursuing a Diploma in Actuarial Science at Makerere University, which is located in Kampala, Uganda. Growing up, he always wanted to venture into a career that involved management of risk, especially in an agricultural setting from which his communities derive a living.

On the 25th March 2022, Henry collapsed while exercising. He was rushed to St Francis Hospital, Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda, where a CT Scan was performed. The medical assessments show that he is suffering from arteriovenous malformation on the brain. Arteriovenous malformation is a condition where arteries and veins are unusually tangled and form direct connections bypassing normal tissues. The doctors have recommended surgery to completely remove the malformation to deter any complications. He has been referred to Mengo Hospital for the surgery but is still at the ICU where he has been for almost two weeks as they wait for his blood pressure to reduce and then surgery can commence. So far, the family have spent about $5,900. The surgery is estimated to cost in the region of $16,000, which is so high for the family to manage!

We have established this GoFundMe to assist Henry and his family during this time. We ask for your benevolence in this noble cause.

If you are able to give anything to help Henry. and Magdalene, then this is hugely appreciated and I will make sure that everything raised is passed on to support the cost of Henry's operation. Thank you!

Alastair