Residents of Bulimba village in Nabweyo Sub-county, Namutumba District, experienced overwhelming joy over the weekend as 27-year-old Mary Babirye, who had been on the brink of losing her life due to a heart ailment, returned home from India after a successful open heart surgery. The heartfelt reunion resembled a wedding celebration, with joyful residents and relatives dancing, hugging Mary, and shedding tears of joy, especially her aging mother, Ms. Jane Saile.
Mary Babirye’s health had significantly deteriorated, suffering from a heart valve disease diagnosed the previous year. She struggled to breathe, stand, or walk, and her entire body was swollen. The ailment had disrupted her seemingly bright future, as she had graduated with a certificate in Catering from Nile Vocational Institute in Jinja in 2022. Tender Mercies Outreach Foundation, a local NGO, had supported her education, aiming for her to help lift her vulnerable family out of poverty.
The situation took a dire turn in November when her health worsened, and urgent open heart surgery was deemed necessary within a month to save her life. Despite challenges, including a setback at Entebbe International Airport, where she collapsed while boarding the plane, a determined effort and generous support from individuals like Mr. Tom Jaques and Aid Spirit raised Shs90 million to cover her treatment and travel expenses.
Despite the setback at the airport, a second attempt was made in the same month, leading to Babirye successfully undergoing open heart surgery at Narayanah Hospital in India. She spent a month recovering in the hospital and returned home at the beginning of the month, greeted with jubilation by her community.
Rev. Ronnie Paul Nsubuga, the founder of Tender Mercies Outreach Foundation, expressed gratitude for the successful outcome and considered Mary Babirye’s story a beacon of hope. The organization, celebrating two decades of outreach, has touched the lives of over 2,000 vulnerable children and aided more than 600 widows.
Mary Babirye’s mother, Ms. Jane Saile, initially thought her daughter had been bewitched but expressed immense joy at her safe return. Babirye, overwhelmed with gratitude, thanked everyone who sponsored her treatment and those who prayed for her during her challenging journey.
The heartwarming homecoming was followed by a celebratory meal, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Mary Babirye.
