Lessons from Kanyunyuzi Tina’s Life with Disability.

By: Betty Mujungu.

The Life Altering Accident

On February 20, 2011, Tina Amooti Kanyunyuzi’s life changed forever. A car accident left her fighting for her life and resulted in the loss of her left leg. The incident was traumatic for Tina, her family, and her loved ones. She endured excruciating pain, underwent amputation, and faced the  task of rebuilding her life.

“I lost one of my legs in a nasty car accident. I was knocked down, and though it wasn’t intentional, it was a very difficult moment for me, my family, and my loved ones. I was rushed to Mulago Hospital. One of my legs was in such a bad state that the doctors decided to amputate it to save my life. They managed to save my right leg by placing screws in it,” she recalls.

Coping with the Trauma

Accepting and overcoming this traumatic shock was not easy. Tina describes how she used to dream of the accident, waking up in fear and tears. However, through the love and support of her friends and family, she slowly began to heal. “They provided counseling, spent time with me, and gave me the company I needed. Their prayers kept me going,” she says.

Over time, Tina struggled with feelings of inadequacy and often questioned her worth. “In the beginning, I feared crowds and avoided places where I knew people would stare. Walking in public felt like a trial, with strangers’ eyes following me and their whispers cutting deep,” she explains. Some would point, others would backbite, and occasionally, cruel remarks were made, such as “ mwije murole omukazi omulema aine okuguru kumu” Come and see the lame woman with one leg.”

Finding Strength Through Support

This judgment from the public left Tina feeling isolated.  As time passed, she learned to face such moments with courage. Social media became an unexpected source of support. Through it, she connected with two amputees, Mr. Jared Kalera and Ms. Charlotte Kangume. “We shared experiences, and they later introduced me to Mr. Alex, Mr. Wasswa, and other amputees. This support system changed my outlook and gave me strength,” she says.

Tina is grateful for the role her family, friends, and community have played in her journey. “I don’t know where I would be now without them, especially my younger sister, Abwoli Karungi Mary. She has done so much for my well-being, and I am sure my mum (RIP) is happy wherever she is. My aunties and uncles also did all they could to support me,” she reflects. She also expresses deep gratitude to Father Joseph Musana Ateenyi, who paid her tuition for two years. “As time went on, I found more families where some friends turned into family, and they are still with me to this day,” she adds.

Embracing New Opportunities

Despite the stigma she faced, Tina refused to let her disability define her. She turned to social media influencing, community mobilization, and online marketing as a Jumia Force agent. “I am a social media influencer, a community mobilizer, and a senior Jumia Jforce agent. Balancing all these roles is not easy, but I manage because of my love and passion for my people and the community at large,” she explains.

Her work as a Jumia Jforce agent is mainly online, where she promotes products and connects with clients through her contacts. “These contacts often recommend me to their friends and families, which helps grow my business,” she says.

Passion for Sports

Tina is also a passionate sports lover. Despite her challenges, her love for sports remained unwavering. She pursued a course organized by FUFA, earning a certificate in stewardship. She is now a registered security officer for Fort City FC and Tooro Queens, actively participating in Uganda’s football scene.

“My involvement in sports has taken me to various places, and I dream of one day visiting Old Trafford, the home of my favorite team, Manchester United,” she says. Sports has given her a sense of belonging and the opportunity to connect with incredible people. A WhatsApp group called Sami Kelvin Sports even sponsored her trip to watch the Uganda Cranes game at Namboole.

Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities

Through her journey, Tina has become a strong advocate for persons with different disabilities (PWDs). She champions accessibility in public spaces, equal employment opportunities, and the eradication of stigma. Collaborating with organizations like Kabarole Women Health Support Initiative (KWHSI) and ACODEV has allowed her to contribute to her community.

“My advice to persons with special needs is simple: never give up. They should associate with others, never accept defeat, and always remember what my favorite Member of Parliament says: NIKISOBOKA (‘It is possible’),” she encourages.

The Challenges of Disability

Tina highlights the numerous challenges that PWDs face, particularly in accessing facilities and employment opportunities. “People with special needs are often undermined, making it difficult to secure jobs. Both government and non-government institutions often fail to cater for persons with disabilities,” she laments.

Lessons Learned

Tina acknowledges the discrimination and stigma faced by people with special needs, leading to a sense of isolation. She believes that this is due to society’s misunderstanding and lack of awareness about the challenges faced by PWDs. “People with special needs should try their best to associate with people around us because they play a vital role in our lives. We should be patient and handle one thing at a time,” she advises.