Ntungamo man seeks sh200m for Kidney transplant

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A 28-year-old man from Ntungamo district is appealing for financial assistance to undergo a kidney transplant in India.

Ian Atukunda, a resident of Kakanena II village, Kakanena parish, Rugarama sub-county in Ntungamo district, has been battling kidney disease for the past five years before he came to know about it in January this year and his condition has deteriorated, requiring an urgent transplant.

“For the last five years, I never felt any pain until I started feeling swellings my feet, arms and face. I would feel much fatigue even when I did not feel tired or overworked during the day,” he said.

Atukunda, who was advised to visit the hospital for a medical check-up, was later referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital after the condition worsened.

Atukunda, a married man without any child, was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at Mulago under file number MNSH 0000072930, since March 2024 when he was initiated onto chronic hemodialysis having presented with features of chronic kidney disease stage five (renal failure).

Transplant is the only viable option

According to Dr Peace Bagasha, a specialist Physician in nephrology at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Atukunda has since undergone dialysis treatment, but a team of doctors has advised that a kidney transplant is the only viable option to save his life.

“He is currently stable on this therapy with well-controlled blood pressures and biochemical parameters. To maintain this degree of stable state of health though, he needs to continue hemodialysis at least three times a week indefinitely or obtain a kidney transplant,” Bagasha confirmed.

Kidney offered

Kidney transplant offers the best quality of life for Ian, and fortunately, he has been offered a kidney by his sister, she disclosed.

The procedure, however, comes with a hefty price tag of sh200m, which Atukunda and his family cannot afford.

"I have been suffering from kidney disease for a long time, and my condition has worsened. My doctors have told me that I need a kidney transplant to survive, but I don't have the money," Atukunda told New Vision Online. "I am appealing to well-wishers to help me raise the funds needed for the transplant."

Atukunda’s mother, Deborah Tumuhairwe, said her son's condition has affected their family's livelihood. 

“My son's illness has made it difficult for us to work. We are struggling to make ends meet, and the thought of losing him is unbearable," she said.

The family has tried to raise funds through local fundraising events, but they have only managed to collect a fraction of the required amount. "We have tried to raise funds locally, but it's not enough. We need help from outside to save my son's life," Tumuhairwe added.

John Omagino, the cardiothoracic surgeon and the Director of Uganda Heart Institute, said that such patient's conditions are critical and require urgent attention: “Such patient’s conditions are severe, and they need a kidney transplant as soon as possible. If he doesn't get the transplant, his chances of survival are slim".

As Atukunda's condition continues to deteriorate, his family and friends are racing against time to raise the funds needed for the transplant. They are appealing to the public to contribute towards the sh200m required for the procedure.

Growing health concern

In Uganda, kidney disease is a growing health concern, with hundreds of people diagnosed with the condition every year. The disease is often caused by diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related factors.

While dialysis treatment is available, kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment option, but it comes with a high cost, Omagino emphasised.

Atukunda's case highlights the challenges faced by patients with kidney disease in Uganda, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The lack of access to affordable healthcare and financial constraints make it difficult for patients to receive the necessary treatment.

As the search for funds continues, Atukunda's family remains hopeful that their loved one will receive the treatment he needs.

"We are grateful for any contribution, no matter how small. We believe that with the help of well-wishers, we can raise the funds needed to save Ian's life," Tumuhairwe said.

The family can be contacted through +256772671908 in the names of Atukunda Ian or +256772555781 in the names of Gaston Bernard Atusiimire for those willing to contribute towards Atukunda's treatment.

Atukunda's story is a testament to the struggles faced by patients with kidney disease in Uganda. It highlights the need for affordable healthcare and financial support for patients requiring life-saving treatments like kidney transplantation. As the family continues to appeal for funds, the public's contribution can make a significant difference in saving Atukunda's life.