TOKENS OF LIFE UGANDA
‘WHEN I WAS 10 MY STEPMOTHER TRICKED ME IN TO SETTING MYSELF ON FIRE – BUT I FORGIVE HER!’ Story by Christopher Mukasa
Aisha Nabukeera shares how she found peace after suffering burns over 80 per cent of her body. Warning: there are distressing images ahead
“I experienced child abuse. I am now a child activist and leader of the Aisha Nabukeera Foundation, which advocates for children’s rights and assists survivors of child abuse in Uganda.”
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lmost 15 years ago, the public was awash with news of a young Aisha Nabukeera allegedly burnt by her stepmother. Then, she couldn’t stand the immense pain and the mere look at her deep wounds around the chest, hands and fingers. Today, she smiles at her past life after beating all odds to overcome the emotional and physical violence inflicted onto her. Aisha Nabukeera about this interview, her quick response was a striking surprise.
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“It’s very fine. I am very strong now,” Nabukeera said, bursting into laughter. “If it’s about violence and children, let’s meet and talk. I hope my story will inspire other survivors or children undergoing violent situations.” I thought the interview would be punctuated with tears, but my guess was wrong. “I have moved on. I have come to appreciate the scars on my body; no more crying, and I’m thankful to God for everything,” the 25-year-old narrates.
