In the settlements of Uganda, thousands of refugees and displaced persons live in fragile shelters that offer little protection from the elements, wildlife, or theft. For persons with specific needs (PSN) — including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and female-headed households — these conditions present life-threatening challenges.
Through its PSN Housing Project, ADRA Uganda — in partnership with village leaders and local communities — is providing permanent housing, latrines, and bathing shelters to those who need it most. Below, two beneficiaries share their stories in their own words.
Story 1: “I Couldn’t Believe This” — Maombi’s Journey from Fear to Peace
Maombi fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2021 after M23 rebels killed her family, leaving her and her 10-year-old son as the sole survivors. Disabled and unable to work, she arrived in Uganda with nothing.
After a brief stay with a neighbour, Maombi found community in a local church whose members pooled together to build her a small shelter. It was an act of extraordinary generosity — but the shelter could not protect her family from the harsh realities of life in the settlement.
“Rain would shower me in that house due to poor roofing. Insects and wild animals would attack me. Theft was a big problem, and I suffered from malaria because the house was too open,” she recalls.
With no income due to her disability and relying entirely on the generosity of neighbours for food, Maombi had few options. Then, one afternoon, everything changed.
“One day I was in my small house wondering what to cook, then I heard the village chairman and other people in ADRA uniforms calling me. They had a list which had my name. The chairman informed me that these people had come to build me a house and a modern latrine. I couldn’t believe this.”
Within weeks, ADRA teams began transporting materials to her plot. Within months, a new house, latrine, and bathing shelter were completed. Today, Maombi and her son sleep safely and soundly.
“All the misery that came with poor housing is now left behind. I thank ADRA so much for this help — it’s the best I ever had in my life. There are very many people like me in my society —
with disabilities, elderly, in poverty. I pray God meets them all at their point of need through ADRA.”
Story 2: A Door She Can Lock — Francoise Finds Security After Decades of Loss
Francoise Uwamaria left Rwanda in 2022 after years of harassment and arrest, and following the killing of her parents. She crossed into Uganda seeking protection, arriving as an asylum seeker with nothing but the determination to survive.
Allocated land by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Francoise relied on neighbours to help construct a basic shelter — which eventually collapsed. The local church then assisted with a temporary structure, but the challenges persisted.
“I faced challenges in that house — theft, rain, house leakage. The small money I earned was spent mostly on repairs,” Francoise explains.
Francoise survives on monthly rations from the World Food Programme and supplements her family’s nutrition by growing cassava, greens, and egg plants on her plot. Every shilling she saved was swallowed by the constant maintenance of her crumbling shelter.
When ADRA Uganda stepped in to construct a new, permanent home, the transformation was immediate and profound.
“ADRA constructed for me this beautiful house and I find myself comfortable here. I no longer feel cold. I lock the door and it gives me security.”
Perhaps most significantly, the money she once spent on repairs can now be reinvested in her garden. “I want to concentrate and use it to boost my income activities,” she says with quiet optimism.
Building More Than Houses
For Maombi and Francoise, a new house is far more than walls and a roof. It is restored dignity, improved health, physical security, and the freedom to invest energy in moving forward rather than simply surviving each night.
ADRA Uganda’s PSN Housing Project targets the most overlooked members of refugee communities — persons with disabilities, elderly individuals, and female-headed households — working alongside village leaders, OPM, and community members to identify and serve those in greatest need.
These stories are proof that when the right support reaches the right people, lives change. There are many more families like Maombi’s and Francoise’s waiting. ADRA Uganda remains committed to reaching them.
