“Family Planning Gave Me Control Over My Life” — The Story of Manirakiza Uwajeneza.
At just sixteen years old, Manirakiza Uwajeneza faced one of the biggest challenges of her life — becoming a mother before she was ready. A refugee from Rwanda, she had fled to Uganda and settled in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in search of safety and a fresh start. But when she became pregnant unexpectedly at such a young age, the excitement of a new life in a new country was overshadowed by fear and uncertainty.
“I was scared. I did not know how I would take care of a child while I was still a child myself,” she recalls.
For years, Manirakiza managed the responsibilities of raising her child, but the experience made her determined to find a better way to plan her future. That opportunity came unexpectedly when she visited Nakivale Health Centre III for an immunization appointment. While at the facility, she came across a team from Shared Action Africa, who were conducting training and counseling sessions for mothers. The sessions focused on family planning, child spacing, and how women could make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Curious and eager to learn, Manirakiza approached the health workers with her questions. “They explained everything clearly and respectfully,” she says. “I felt comfortable and understood for the first time when talking about family planning.”
After receiving detailed information about the different methods available, she chose Sayana, an injectable contraceptive method. For her, it was the perfect choice — convenient, effective, and suitable for her lifestyle.
That was over six years ago. Since then, family planning has transformed Manirakiza’s life. Her first child is now 10 years old, her second child is seven, and her youngest is five months old. The spacing between her children has allowed her to recover after each pregnancy, focus on her health, and provide better care for her family.
“I have been able to work well, manage to feed my children, and not feel overwhelmed,” she says with a smile. “Family planning has given me the strength and stability to care for my children without breaking down.”
She also credits Shared Action Africa with making these changes possible. “Without the training, counseling, and encouragement I received, I would not have known how to plan my family. I appreciate Shared Action Africa for its great work in the refugee settlement,” she says.
For Manirakiza, family planning is not just about preventing pregnancy — it is about dignity, choice, and empowerment. She believes that women, especially those in refugee settings, should have access to accurate information and services so they can make decisions that are right for them and their families.
“Because of family planning, I can be a better mother, a healthier woman, and a stronger person,” she says.
Her story is a testament to the life-changing power of accessible reproductive health services in refugee communities — a reminder that with the right support, women can rebuild their lives, even after the most difficult beginnings.