In the suburbs of Kampala, a remarkable woman, Akutu Joyce is defying conventions and pushing boundaries, despite living with a physical disability. “My mother told me that I got this disability at three years of age but I was born normal like any other child”, Akutu narrates.
Recently, Joyce gave birth to twins, adding to her already full household. But what’s extraordinary is that she’s not only caring for her own children but also for several others who are not her own. With no steady income or formal employment, Joyce’s determination to provide for her family is a testament to her unyielding spirit.
Joyce says, “the babies are four months now and I’m happy that even as a disabled woman God gave me chance to have them.”
Born with a physical impairment that affects her mobility, Joyce has faced numerous challenges throughout her life.
Growing up, she was often marginalized and excluded from social activities, leaving her feeling isolated and alone. However, she refused to let her disability define her.
“My mother really moved a lot to find a cure for my disability but when she failed, she gave up. I didn’t stay with my father as a child and everyone didn’t associate with me freely as a child because of my disability. I didn’t enjoy my childhood at all”, she narrated.
After being raised almost entirely by her grandmother, Joyce found her way into the city in search of employment and eventually settled in Bwaise, where she now takes care of her family,Joyce explains.
“When my mum found another partner, my grandmother took me to stay with her in the Busoga region, I was just seven years then. Unfortunately when she clocked 70 years of age, she died and I was left to struggle on my own.
“I tried working as a housemaid in areas of Busia but it was a hard job for me. I was required to fetch water and do other house chores yet in my state it was almost physically impossible. I gave up on that and that’s when I got the father of these children who brought me into Kampala,”she narrates.
When Joyce’s twins were born, she was overjoyed. However, the postpartum treatment claimed all the capital from her fruit selling business therefore caring for them has been a significant challenge.
Her partner vanished upon discovering she was expecting twins. With no steady income, she relies on the generosity of her community and well-wishers to make ends meet.
“I was operated for free but the medication after my cesarean was the problem. I used all capital from my business and it was also not enough”, Joyce remarks.
Despite these difficulties, Joyce has taken in several other children who are not her own, providing them with a loving home and care. Though only one is going to school, her household is a bustling hub of activity, with children of all ages playing, laughing, and learning together.
“My house has 7 children but I only have four including the twins, the other four children are for my uncle and a brother of mine who died recently in 2023. They had no one to take care of them so I took them in. We survive by the grace of God surely”, she narrated.