Single father of four needs an artificial limb

May 18, 2012, is still fresh in the mind of 40-year-old Lasuli Tenywa. While accompanying his children, who were in Senior One and Two at Mengo Senior Secondary School, the motorcycle they were riding on was knocked down by a Fuso truck and a speeding Toyota Ipsum, which had had a head-on collision.

“I fell off and the Ipsum crushed my leg, luckily my children escaped with minor injuries,” says Tenywa as he tearfully narrated his ordeal.

Life of despair
The next time he woke up, he had one leg after the crushed limb was amputated that same day at Mulago Hospital. This was to mark the beginning of a life of despair for the single father of four children.

First he was sent packing by his landlord, after failing to pay the monthly rent of Shs150,000 at Kawempe Mbogo. Luckily, a friend living in Gayaza offered to accommodate him and his four children.

But that offer was limited to only accommodation; the children dropped out of from school.

“There is nothing I could do to support their education, they are now at home,” he says, adding that the kiosk which was his only source of livelihood slowed in business as he could hardly run it.

Suicidal thoughts
“Most of my friends have abandoned me, they now see me as a burden. I once tried committing suicide but gave up the thought because of my children. When you are poor, you would rather die than get your leg amputated,” Tenywa asserts.

Since May last year, Tenywa says he has been visiting Mulago Hospital every Wednesday where he gets a few pain-killers and reminders to get Shs3m buy an artificial limb.

Mr Francis Kizito, an Orthopaedics Technologist at the hospital, confirms taking measurements of him and recommending a laminated artificial limb.

Artificial limb
“I told him to look for the money and when he succeeds, he should come for the artificial limb, within one week he will walk properly again,” Kizito says. He adds that the limb will, however, not guarantee a 100 per cent efficiency.

“Being artificial, that limb can enable him walk normally and feel comfortable unlike with the crutches though he cannot run, for instance,” Kizito clarifies.

However, these assurances are just that, assurances, because the self-confessed “peasant” has not managed to get any financial assistance.

Only hope
“I went to MTN and they told me they are over-whelmed with such appeals for help. A lady who was in my situation and got help advised me to come to Daily Monitor so the compassionate readers can help,” he says.

It is upon this background that Tenywa rests the hope of a better life in you, the readers. “I appeal to you to have mercy on me. You are my last hope and for my children,” he pleads.

To Help: For assistance, you can reach him on 078-2060131 or you can deposit on Housing Finance Bank account number, 0116460303900.