Restoring Dignity Through Family Planning: Katusiime Maureen’s Story of Transformation in Kabazaana.
At just 22 years old, Katusiime Maureen from Kabazaana village in Isingiro District is already a mother of three. Her firstborn is five years old, the second is four, and the youngest is now one. Like many young mothers in rural Uganda, her journey into motherhood was sudden, intense, and largely unsupported—until she discovered the power of family planning.
Reflecting on her early years of motherhood, Maureen shares how quickly her life spiralled out of control after having her first two children in rapid succession. “I gave birth to two children one after the other,” she says. “It was like raising twins, and they took up all my time. I had no time for myself or my husband. Our relationship started to fall apart.”
Maureen recalls how the lack of spacing affected not just her marriage, but also her health and appearance. “I looked old and tired. I didn’t have the strength or time to care for myself. My husband stopped coming home because he said I looked dirty and unattractive. He started looking at younger, better-looking women,” she says.
Her physical well-being deteriorated further due to the nutritional and emotional demands of closely spaced pregnancies. “I lacked proper vitamins because I didn’t rest between pregnancies or breastfeed properly. There wasn’t enough food at home. The children kept falling sick, sometimes all of them at once. Life was not easy,” she explains.
Everything began to change when Maureen met a Village Health Team (VHT) member from Shared Action Africa during a visit around her village. The VHT introduced her to family planning services and offered her counselling. “She spoke to me kindly and explained everything clearly. I picked interest immediately and followed her advice.”
Maureen was referred to Kabazaana Health Centre III, where Shared Action Africa has trained health workers offering free and confidential family planning services. After receiving counselling, she opted for the Intrauterine Device (IUD), a long-acting and reversible method of contraception.
“That decision changed everything,” Maureen says with pride. “Our third child came after enough spacing. My husband returned home, and love came back to our relationship. We have peace at home again.”
With more time and energy, Maureen says she has reclaimed her life. “Now, I look good because I have time to care for myself. I dress up, look cute, and prepare well for my husband. Our children are healthy, and we can feed them properly. They’re all in school, and we are not struggling the way we used to.”
She also celebrates the ability to contribute financially. “I’ve started working and now bring something to the table at home. It feels good to support my family.”
Maureen deeply appreciates Shared Action Africa’s role in restoring her life. “I was seen as an old woman at just 19. But family planning brought my dignity and youth back. I thank Shared Action Africa for giving me the service for free and helping me build a better future.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that access to family planning is not just a health issue—it’s a gateway to renewed confidence, economic empowerment, and stronger family relationships.
velihoods—one harvest at a time.