By Wycliff Gibogi; Saafina Namukwaya’s Extraordinary Journey to Motherhood Defies Conventional Norms
Kampala, Thursday, November 30, 2023 – In a groundbreaking development at the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre in Kampala, 70-year-old Saafina Namukwaya has shattered societal expectations by giving birth to twins. This extraordinary event challenges traditional notions surrounding childbirth and highlights the advancements in fertility treatments.
Ms. Namukwaya, a resident of Masaka district, shared her awe-inspiring journey to motherhood in an exclusive interview with NTV Uganda news reporter Walter Mwesigye. The twins were conceived through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), a process that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body before implanting it in the uterus.
Expressing her gratitude, Namukwaya credited Dr. Ssali for his unwavering support. She recounted how a friend, who also successfully underwent IVF under Dr. Ssali’s care, recommended the procedure. Facing challenges and financial constraints, Namukwaya highlighted the doctor’s kindness in organizing transport to bring her to the hospital.
Detailing the complexities of her pregnancy, Namukwaya acknowledged the financial strain and health issues she encountered. She expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Ssali’s dedication, emphasizing his pivotal role in ensuring a successful delivery.
In a candid revelation, Namukwaya spoke about societal attitudes, particularly the reluctance of men to accept responsibility for multiple births. She asserted that her partner has been absent throughout her pregnancy, and Dr. Ssali has stepped in to provide support, earning acknowledgment as the father of the children.
Namukwaya’s decision to pursue motherhood at the age of 70 stemmed from a hurtful incident in her neighborhood. Having cared for other people’s children, she found herself pondering who would care for her in her old age. A young boy’s insult, insinuating a curse, served as a catalyst for her determination to have children.
Expressing her readiness to embrace motherhood, Namukwaya eagerly anticipates meeting her twins for the first time. This marks her second experience with childbirth within a span of three years, with her first child born in 2020 through a similar process and currently residing in Masaka with a caretaker.
Namukwaya’s journey has been marked by personal tragedies, including miscarriages during her marriage and the loss of her husband in 1992. Despite these challenges, she found love again four years later, paving the way for her recent venture into motherhood.
As medical advancements continue to redefine societal norms, Namukwaya’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the evolving landscape of fertility treatments.
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