William Mugeni’s quick outlooks:
- We have put in a lot and it’s in the media, it’s everywhere then you don’t even have government intervention by now. 70 of them are using taxpayers’ money in Washington, which is painful and we are struggling to save a Doctor and none of them, including Premier Robinah Nabbanja with whom the Doctor comes from the same area.
- This story has failed to stimulate the medics to rise. The medics are so self-coasted, they are so selfish. Whereas we appreciate those who are contributing money towards saving Dr Anthony, they are supposed to defend the citizens and together demand better healthcare infrastructures in the country.
Dear Comrades,
Eldoret, Kenya | Thank you for all that you do and for the support that you are giving Dr. Anthony Buhangamaiso and Martha Buhangamaiso.
I touched base with them on Wednesday, September 20, 5 days after they had checked in, to Mediheal Hospital Eldoret, where the kidney transplant will take place. I called on them to find out how they are coping in the new environment and together with them assess any new challenges and relay the information back to you – his supporters.
Upon arrival, I found the Doctor had just been through a dialysis session which had left him weak and in pain. When he sufficiently recovered, we had a robust conversation and Dr Anthony sent warm greetings to all of you from the bottom of his heart.
Martha – his wife and kidney donor, is always by the side of Dr. Anthony. She narrated what they had been through the last five days as they settled into the new environment in Eldoret, the land of Champions.
They are staying in a rented space where they will be for the next not less than 3 months. The rent is KSHS 45,000. This not being part of what was anticipated, we have to think outside the box to secure for them the rent first. This is because no one can endure the stress of anticipation of surgery and post-surgery recovery with the thought of being thrown out of the house in the middle of the night with drip bottles, catheters, etc. hanging all over the body.
The water, gas, electricity and internet bills are covered in the rent bill, but the day-to-day survival and food are real hurdles that we must help our patients to surmount. If you have anyone going to Nairobi via Eldoret, we are now a large family, give them Matooke, grains, rice and fish and alert Martha to pick them.
Also read: James Mugeni: “Some have baptised me ‘a crook’ for helping people“
Nothing can defeat the concerted effort of the masses. This is possible and that is the optimism which was also expressed by Dr Anthony himself in one of our conversations. Dr Anthony, with glowing optimism, is looking ahead to the day that he will be doing surgeries on people as a way of giving back to society. I found that emotionally uplifting given the fact that he is one of the youngest Surgeons in Uganda today.
There are tests they hadn’t expected at all and which are very expensive. Like the one they undertook on September 21, from Nairobi. A Coronary Angiogram Test costs KSH 150,000 and this is minus the cost of the flight to Nairobi. There are other tests and vaccinations they have to do during this period.
Martha talks of a vaccine they took the other day costing KSH 8,000 per person and they have four others to go. These along with the treatment for Dr Anthony for Diabetes and Hypertension are beckoning for a lot more resources.
Also read: Donate now as Akurut Patricia, 23, needs an urgent kidney transplant in New Delhi
Dr Anthony has to be well and in a condition that will enable his body to withstand the rigours of the surgery. The reason they are going to have an extended stay is because they are being treated and monitored closely.
Dr Anthony and Martha expressed their unreserved appreciation and thankfulness to all of you who are making a sacrifice for their lives. The Doctors at the Mediheal Hospital whom the Marthas described as “very supportive and kind” have assured them of the most favourable outcome.
The decision to go into the next phase of this management will be taken about a month after doing all relevant tests and treatments associated with the transplant. Issues of tissue rejection, etc, etc.
Dr Anthony was upbeat about the prospects and expressed a deep sense of desire and longing to be up and about to start doing surgeries as a way of giving back to the people.
In conclusion, together with Dr Anthony and Martha, we have set out on a journey and we can’t turn back. Like they said, it’s a journey of hope not to themselves alone, but to a greater cause that will see renal challenges which are afflicting the nation brought to the fore.
Also read: Experts explain kidney disease as Dr Anthony Buhangamaiso battles with it
They sent their commiserations to the family of the late Musician Evelyn Lagu with whom they had bonded through their interactions in Kiruddu Dialysis Center.
Therefore, you and all the others should mobilise all the others to continue to contribute towards the life of this amazing young Doctor. Dr Anthony Buhangamaiso needs more and more of your support at this critical hour.
William Mugeni – GoFundMe fundraiser for Dr Anthony
Unless there is a special miracle from the people to continue giving we are headed for a dead end in that we are going to be trapped in a debt as citizens. This now requires the country, where are the citizens? Who shall we call upon to support the Doctor? Because I don’t think we have not done the best that we can. I don’t think that we have not done the best that there is. Just look at it, the Doctor has gone to Kenya, and the cost is not UGX150m; it’s more. There are investigations Kenya is doing; there are flights here and there. So, to me, it’s abandonment – shame to Uganda, shame to Uganda.
A favourable outcome for the surgery of Dr Anthony will attract closer attention to the kidney challenges that now rock the nation. The voiceless Ugandans perishing silently under the pain of this new crisis will eventually find their voice. It is taking the life of a whole Doctor to bring these issues to the fore.
With Anthony, we agreed that nothing happens under the sun for no purpose and we looked at the pain he is going through as a means through which other vulnerable people will be heard.
Galogitho Renny Stephen is the Chairperson fundraising committee of Dr Anthony