He needed more than a mother could give

Last year, No One Left Out Foundation carried out several rescue operations for children with disabilities in Uganda. One of the children rescued was a ten-year-old boy who had been living under conditions no child should experience. He was born with cerebral palsy, but behind his story lies the story of a mother who has carried more pain than most.

The boy’s mother once lived what appeared to be a secure life in Kampala, where she worked as a housemaid and lived with the family she worked for. In silence, she was subjected to abuse—not once, but twice—by a man who frequently visited the household.

Such abuse is rarely spoken about. This woman carried the pain alone.

When she later discovered that she was pregnant because of the assaults, everything changed. She lost both her job and the place she called home.

The little savings she had left were used to rent a small house in Kampala. There, with the help of a midwife, she gave birth to her son.

The delivery was long and complicated. The complications that occurred later led to the child being diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

A battle she could not win alone

Life in Kampala became increasingly difficult. The mother could no longer afford the medication or medical follow-up her son needed, while also having to provide for two other children.

Many days, there was not enough food. The children were unable to attend school. When she eventually could no longer pay the rent, she had no options left. The family was forced to leave the city and return to the village she came from.

But even in the village, they found no safety. The boy was met with superstition, fear, and stigma. Neighbours kept their distance, and the family became increasingly isolated.

They lacked both financial resources and access to medical care. Cerebral palsy requires regular follow-up, treatment, and supervision—support that this desperate mother did not have the means to provide.

She did everything she could. She carried her son long distances on her back, kept him warm at night, and took small jobs whenever possible to secure food.

Many times, she broke down from exhaustion and despair. But she never gave up on her children.

A rescue that became a turning point

In the autumn of 2025, the family moved into the care village established by No One Left Out in Uganda. For the first time in many years, the mother could finally lower her shoulders and breathe.

“The children are now experiencing things they have never had before. They sleep in their own beds, receive enough food every day, clean clothes, and close follow-up from caring adults. All three attend school and are part of a community where they are seen, included, and met with warmth,” says Rune Edvardsen, Executive Director of No One Left Out. He was personally present during the rescue operation.

In the care village, the boy now has access to the medical treatment, physiotherapy, and care he has needed his entire life.

“He is no longer hidden away or isolated. Now he gets to laugh, spend time outdoors, feel safe, and receive follow-up from professionals who truly care for him.”

The mother describes it as being able to breathe for the first time in many years.

“She is no longer standing alone. She is now strengthened in her role as a mother, receives help processing her own trauma, and is supported in building a new life for her family,” Edvardsen explains.

A desire to help more children

No One Left Out wants to help more children with disabilities in Uganda. Today, 60 children receive care, safety, and follow-up in the care village. In the coming year, there is a great need to extend the same help to an additional 50 children living under extremely difficult conditions.

“On average, it costs around $200 USD per month to support a child with a disability. Needs vary depending on medical treatment, assistive devices, and individual adaptations.”

Edvardsen explains that there are no public support systems available to these families.

“As a result, many children suffer a brutal and unjust fate. The care village is one of the very few available support options in the area. It is entirely dependent on support to help more children.”

He hopes many will choose to take responsibility for a child.

“It is a significant monthly amount, but we want these children to have the same opportunities as other children,” Edvardsen concludes.