Solid rock; metaphor for resolve among those living with HIV

- September 04, 2017

Mountain Elgon (Locally called Masaba)

Rocks feature so highly in the traditions of the different cultures of Uganda. The names of most regions get nomenclature from some formation in rock form. Cultures have developed oratory around hegemony, solidity, compactness, firmness, rigidity, strength, fame and triumph based on the metaphor of the rock.

Mbale, Masaba, Rwenzururu, Ruwenzori, Kabale, Lusozi, Kisozi, Moroto or in oratory such as that of the Mystical Rembi “The rebel Chief of the House of Yakanye” Rembi jo Yakanye. All these are metaphorical-physical-social-cultural phenomena passed to subsequent generations as cue to find meaning in life. This is one way, humans see in each other steadfastness. Perhaps, that is why, even when we fall, we seem to rise up. Or as the Kakwa (Kakuwa) of West Nile see the Mystical Chief Rembe who rose up from the fires he was thrown into, unscathed and all the while smoking a pipe! For more on the Kakuwa: https://kakuwaweb.wordpress.com/kakuwa-legends/.

At a personal level, the cultures developed oratory around hegemony, solidity, compactness, firmness, rigidity, strength, fame and triumph based on the metaphor of the rock can be exemplified as follows:

Giving of one’s self to defend another!

Perhaps, that is why Elvis Mukoda who earns USD 2.00 per month decided to bring over two friends who are living with HIV to stay with him at his small quarters in a Kampala Capital City Authority Makindye Suburb called Kabalagala.

Belief in oneself and self confidence!

It could be there is an inner rock in all of us. William (19 years) and Jane (23 years) are living with HIV. They were diagnosed in 2016 and immediately embarked on an ARV regimen to which they have adhered so far.

Resolved, driven and consistency !

Michael (37 years), Mary (41 years), Jennifer (32 years), Mukisa (40 years), Arafat (27 years) and Sophia (31 years) were diagnosed with HIV in 2007. Five aspects stand out for them. Their sex life is thriving; they have kept their jobs; adhered to taking ARVs; have stuck to a fresh foods diet whenever possible ;and have engaged in social activities frequently.

Giving of one’s self to defend another; belief in oneself and self confidence; resolved, driven and consistency. These are the rocks we identify in each person living with or caring for one with HIV.

We have to constantly care. It means going beyond the call of duty. In situations where stigma and discrimination are endemic and mark one out as an unprotected target it gets hard to do HIV care. We have appealed for funding to help reach out to friends who are in hiding most times in very remote places. We deal with two categories of people: The ones who had to interrupt their treatment (Traced category) and those who need to re-adjust after losing a home or failing to have a meal (readjustment category). For the traced category, it takes $200.00 to help one person living with HIV to get the basic meal supply, airtime for a phone and get enrolled at a clinic. For the readjustment category, it takes $ 100.00 to provide a basic meal basket, ensure medication is available and housing.

We care/ follow-up for all the persons under our traced or readjustment categories for three months. It requires providing transport for the identified a Peer Mobilizer; food supplies; paying rent or subsistence to the mobilizer. From June 2017-August 2017 for one of the clients this meant $ 250.00 and $ 100.00 for the Peer Mobilizer.