25/09/2024

Baby found 

On 6 July, this little boy was found in a bag on a coffee plantation. A newborn baby with the placenta still attached to the umbilical cord.
Over the years, I have learned not to judge immediately here in Uganda, because there are various circumstances that can unfortunately lead to this kind of action.

The little one was eventually dropped off by the police at the feeding department, and the caring staff took responsibility for feeding him and giving him the care he needed.
The investigation into the mother began, and a suspect was arrested who ultimately turned out not to be the one who had given birth to this baby.

I wonder if his biological mother lies awake at night regretting her actions. Since there was nowhere else to go, we took him home to await further instructions from the probation officer.

We discovered that he was suffering from hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the upper layers of the brain, and for the past 4 weeks he has been in a specialised hospital with our wonderful nanny Prossy, waiting for an operation to insert a shunt that will drain the excess fluid from his brain to other parts of his body to reduce the pressure and lower the risk of brain damage.
Unfortunately, he has not yet had the operation because he is still weak, so we will be going back at the end of October for a 12-hour journey.

I am so grateful for the wonderful help from all the children, my colleagues and friends who are lending a hand in any way they can. It gives me courage and support, but above all, it makes me feel that I am not alone, and that makes me grateful.

We have no idea what the future will hold for him, but with love and care, I believe he will go a long way. Let me proudly introduce Ajani Mitchell, a beautiful baby boy and a blessing in our lives.