Mukono, Uganda. The members of a WhatsApp group named ‘Mukono Municipality for All’ joined forces to help Fred Kiyimba, the Mukono Central Division Councilor, to replace his missing teeth with artificial dentures.
The initiative was sparked after Kiyimba shared an audio message accusing Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament, Betty Nambooze, of using derogatory language about his dental situation.
Kiyimba is said to have lost his teeth in a motorcycle accident. In November of the last year, he posted an audio message on the WhatsApp group accusing Nambooze of making disparaging remarks about his missing teeth whenever he spoke in public.
The councillor further expressed disappointment, claiming that Nambooze had previously failed to support him in acquiring the necessary dental care, only to use it as an insult later on.
Kiyimba hinted at the possibility of revealing secrets about alleged dubious political dealings, escalating the tension between him and Nambooze.
Fueled by this, members of the WhatsApp group, led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mike Ssegawa, initiated a campaign titled ‘Kiyimba to Smile Again with All Teeth’ to raise funds for dentures.
However, Ssegawa mobilised group members, urging them to contribute at least Ugx1000 each to help the councillor regain a full set of teeth.
Concerns were raised about the potential bullying, stigma, and harm to Kiyimba’s mental health resulting from his missing teeth.
Phoebe Babirye and Ritah Nandyose, fellow councillors close to Kiyimba, took on the roles of treasurer for the fundraising cause. In a commendable show of solidarity, the group raised Ugx2,000,000.
This was utilised to replace Kiyimba’s dental gaps at Mukono Medical Center by Dr. Hussein Ziraba at the end of December.
Kiyimba’s New Smile
After mastering the use of his new dentures for talking, eating, and smiling, Kiyimba officially shared a picture of his transformed appearance.
His journey, from facing insults to regaining his smile with the community’s support, serves as a testament to the positive impact collective efforts can have on an individual’s well-being.
In response to Kiyimba’s remarks, MP Nambooze expressed discontent, accusing him of playing politics of malice after leaving her camp.
She insisted that all her political aides, including Kiyimba, received regular salaries and could have used part of it for dental care.
Nambooze dismissed Kiyimba’s threats to reveal secrets as baseless and intended for blackmail.
Insight Post Uganda applauds the move that explains the importance of empathy in addressing personal challenges and stresses the positive impact that a united community can have in restoring an individual’s dignity and confidence.
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