Ashitinya Regina

Born in 1943 in the lush, green village of Bushiangala, Musoli Sub-location, Ashitinya was the third-born in her family, but as the eldest daughter among nine sisters and three brothers, she carried immense responsibilities from a young age. Customs of the time denied her and her sisters the chance to attend school, leaving them to spend their days performing domestic chores and supporting their parents.

At 17, Ashitinya moved to Shisasali Village, where she began her marital life. As a young and energetic woman, she put all her strength into intensive farming, ensuring her family was food secure. Over the years, she was blessed with 10 children—seven boys and three girls, all of whom she nurtured into adulthood.

But life was not without heartbreak. Six of her children passed away, a loss no mother should endure. Despite the pain, she remained strong, holding her family together through every hardship. Determined to provide a better future for her children, she worked tirelessly to support their education, managing to see one of her sons complete secondary school.

However, village conflicts strained family resources and affected their health, ultimately leading to her husband's sudden decline. The pressures of survival and loss took a toll on Ashitinya, but she never wavered in her resolve.

By 2016, her own health began to deteriorate rapidly, requiring frequent hospital visits and long stays in medical facilities. With her income dwindling and physical strength fading, she was enrolled in the Mama Ibado Charity (MIC) seniors’ feeding program, marking a turning point in her life.

Since then, she has received a monthly food hamper, sustaining her and ensuring she has enough nutrition to support her medical needs. Grateful for the assistance, she describes the food program as a lifeline, restoring dignity to her family in her old age.

In mid-2021, Ashitinya suffered another devastating loss—her husband passed away, further deteriorating her health and leaving her in even greater need of support. Recognizing her vulnerability, Mama Ibado Charity staff referred her case to the County Housing Program, where she was selected as a beneficiary for a semi-permanent house, providing her with a safe and comfortable home in her later years.

Despite the many hardships she has endured, Ashitinya still wears a brave face, grateful that she no longer worries about food or shelter.