A couple in Mbarara City is appealing for Shs40 million to enable the husband undergo specialised plastic surgery after a facial condition that began as a small pimple developed into a severe cancer-related deformity affecting his right cheek.
The family says doctors have recommended reconstructive surgery at CoRSU Hospital in Entebbe, but they are unable to raise the required funds.
Thirty-four-year-old Peace Ayekundire and her husband, Mark Mwine, originally from Bwizibwera Rutooma Town Council in Mbarara District and currently residing in Kamukuzi Cell in Mbarara City, say they have exhausted all available resources while seeking treatment.
Mwine, a carpenter by profession, said the condition first appeared in 2019 as what seemed to be an ordinary pimple.
“I developed a boil that seemed like a pimple. It wasn’t painful, but a friend noticed it. When I exposed it to sunlight, it would itch, so I went to Ruharo Mission Hospital and got treatment,” Mwine said.
According to Mwine, the growth disappeared temporarily but reappeared a year later at the same spot and began expanding rapidly.
“After a year, the pimple developed in the same spot but this time with rapid growth. I was referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. I did tests and results indicated that it was cancer. It had by then increased in size,” he said.
The couple, who have five children, say the prolonged medical journey has left them financially drained after selling most of their belongings to cover treatment costs.
Peace Ayekundire said she was forced to leave her job with Mbarara District Local Government to care for her husband full-time.
“We have spent so much money after selling much of our property. The children are now at home in the village and out of school because we cannot afford school fees,” she said.
“We had to move from one hospital to another and sometimes spent weeks or even months seeking treatment. It became impossible to balance caring for the children and looking after my husband.”
The family has sought treatment at Ruharo Mission Hospital, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and national referral facilities in Kampala before being referred to CoRSU Hospital for specialised plastic surgery.
“So, we have been referred from Mbarara to Mulago, and Mulago referred us to CoRSU because Mulago has no machines for plastic surgery. At CoRSU they asked for about Shs40 million and honestly we cannot manage,” Ayekundire said.
Mwine added that previous referrals had failed to provide a solution to his condition.
“Mulago referred us to Kiruddu, which reported that it lacked the capacity to handle my condition and referred me to CoRSU, where they asked for Shs40 million to carry out plastic surgery,” he said.
The family is now appealing to well-wishers, organisations and members of the public to help them raise the money before the scheduled surgery date later this month.
“I have spent seven years with this condition and the swelling has been gradual. I request everyone who can support me to help raise the Shs40 million so that I can receive treatment,” Mwine said.
Friends and neighbours have been providing support where possible, including food and other basic necessities, but say the family's needs exceed what they can offer.
“Mwine has been in pain for a long time. We have tried as friends to support him, but the burden is too heavy. We appeal to anyone who can help to come to his aid,” said Peter Mugabirwe, a family friend.
To minimise discomfort, Mwine currently keeps the affected part of his face covered to protect the wound from direct sunlight and flies as he awaits treatment.
The family remains hopeful that support from well-wishers will enable him to undergo the recommended surgery and begin the process of recovery.
*Tags:* Mbarara City, Mark Mwine, Peace Ayekundire, CoRSU Hospital, Cancer Treatment, Plastic Surgery, Medical Appeal, Healthcare, Mbarara District, Uganda Health News
