Hilda Kasozi
Age 19-years-old
School Namirembe Hillside High School
Class Senior 6 (13th grade)
Village Lubaga – Kampala District
Family situation I stay with my Mum, who is HIV positive. My father passed away when I was still small. I don’t even remember his face. I have two brothers — one is at university under L.E.A.D Uganda sponsorship — and a sister.
I want to be a Neurosurgeon.
Ambition When I become successful, I want to help HIV-positive mums and their children.
Hobbies Singing and swimming.
My story
“Our dad died the year after I was born. I don’t even remember his face. My mum is HIV-positive. After the death of our Dad who was the sole bread winner, we were left at the mercy of relatives who didn’t care. My mom had to raise six children by herself (two were adopted after her sister died) while coping with her own possible death and the stigma it brings. She is on treatment. Sometimes she falls sick but I thank God, she is ever strong and this encourages me a lot. At first it was hard for me to bear, but later I strengthened up.
We used to take one meal a day and some times go to school on empty stomachs. Our Mum started vending beads and necklaces to get money to buy food and pay our school fees. I had to work with her. I missed many days of school and this affected my concentration. I thought I was going to have to quit school since my mother found it hard to continue paying our school fees.
She started moving about seeking for help. Mum came across L.E.A.D Uganda. She took me for an interview. L.E.A.D Uganda allowed me to shine. I never imagined I would find myself at a really good school, let alone being a top student. I am able to survive thanks to L.E.A.D. I go to Namirembe Hillside High School. I study Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Food and Nutrition. I joined this school from Uganda Martyrs – Namugongo after scoring a top grade on my ‘O’ level exams.
I admire Ben Carson. I want to be a neurosurgeon. There are no neurosurgeons in Uganda, so I think I will be a blessing to my family and my country. I want to become a job creator, not a job seeker, by building my own hospital.
I am happy now and my mum also has a peace of mind. In years to come I see myself helping children as best I can, like Uncle Steve and L.E.A.D Uganda helped me. I will reduce the suffering.”
