In the quiet village of Namasanga, Lukwanga Parish, lives a woman whose story captures the essence of what family truly means. Her name is Nankya Ruth, and her journey into foster care shows us that sometimes, love is not defined by blood but by choice.
Ruth first heard about foster care during one of the early awareness meetings in her community. Inspired, she attended training led by the Probation and Social Welfare Officer (PSWO) and the Parish Community Development Officer (PCDO). Soon after, she welcomed her first foster child, a little girl. Ruth poured her heart into caring for her. But after months together, the child’s family was traced and she was reunited with them. While this was the right outcome, Ruth was heartbroken. “She was so broken because of the bond she had with the child,” recalls the social worker. “She was counseled about the situation and kept a positive mind, holding onto the hope that she would get another child permanently, one who wouldn’t be taken away.”
A Valentine’s Gift
On February 14, 2025, a two-month-old baby named Kwagala Joy was abandoned in Bulaga and referred to the PSWO, then to Child’s i Foundation. She needed a family. When Ruth was told about Joy, the social worker remembers her reaction clearly: “She was extremely excited and asked that the baby be brought to her immediately.”
When Joy arrived, she was frail but safe. Ruth’s family welcomed her warmly, surrounding her with care and affection. For a short time, everything seemed well.
Two months later, Joy fell ill. At the hospital, tests revealed she was HIV-positive. Ruth learned that Joy had previously been on treatment, but missing doses had left her vulnerable and sick. Many might have felt overwhelmed, even discouraged. Ruth did not hesitate “Even after finding out the child’s status, she was broken but insisted that God had given her the responsibility of raising and loving this child regardless. She took the bold step to adopt her permanently,” the social worker explained.
Ruth’s steadfast love meant Joy could access the treatment and support she needed. Today, Joy is back on her feet—healthy, strong, and growing steadily in the safety of Ruth’s home. Ruth’s story is not just about one woman and one child. It is a testament to the power of community foster care. Her decision has also inspired neighbours and her wider community, proof that ordinary people, when supported, can create extraordinary change.
From a systems perspective, Ruth’s journey teaches us why foster care is a better solution than institutional care. As her social worker notes: “Children, especially those with special needs like Joy, can receive all the attention, love and care they deserve in a family. In institutions, because of large numbers, many children are left out of the extra care they need.
