Aisha Nabukeera, the “miracle child” as she describes herself, was thrust into the limelight in 2006, after suffering horrendous abuse at the hands of her stepmother who burnt about 80% of her body. Among the people who were touched deeply by her story and came to her rescue was ‘Sisimuka’ founder Frank Gashumba, who took her in his care, provided for and ensured she got good education.
“He is more than a father to me. I can only pray for him and pledge to make him proud. Honestly, I have never met such a kind and generous gentleman like him.”
Now Aisha is paying it forward by using her experience to help end child abuse and violence among children and inspire survivors.
Earlier this week, she broke the news that she had been chosen among the lucky 12 in this year’s ‘Generation Africa’ cohort that is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
“I got to know about this opportunity through uncle Frank Gashumba, he shared the link to me and advised me to apply then later recommended me.”
The competition attracted hundreds of participants from different African countries who were tasked with writing inspiring stories about their experiences that could inspire and create change.
The lucky winners were flown to South Africa last week for the ‘Generation Africa Training’ where they were equipped with interpersonal, technical and communication skills.
In her capacity as Generation Africa Ambassador, Aisha will now be a global voice for victims of child abuse and domestic abuse, charged with advocating, motivating and inspiring them to never give up.
“I look forward to changing people’s lives and giving them new hope that they can make it no matter their past, fight child abuse and domestic violence. I see light forward in a future of harmony, peace and co-existence where everyone is each other’s keeper.”
Aisha also has a foundation called ‘The Aisha Nabukeera Foundation’ that she launched in 2015 that is dedicated to helping survivors of child abuse through; empowerment, sensitization and advocacy. They have carried out a number of community and school outreaches like in Nakigonya Primary School in Luwero, Happy Homes Child Initiatives, among others where they sensitized children about their rights and donated items like diapers, sugar, maize flour, rice, soap, among others.
The hope and happiness that they instill in survivors during such visits, she says, is what fulfills and keeps her going.
“We look forward to a society free from violence and any form of child abuse, no child deserves what happened to me.”
