Edith Kukiriza is a survivor of human trafficking and attempted human sacrifice whose life today stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of sustained support.
“I passed through a lot of trauma,” Edith says, “but I thank God that I am alive and able to enjoy life like any other child.”
Edith’s ordeal began when she was brutally attacked and left with a severe head injury. Her attackers believed she had died. One of her colleagues was killed in the same incident in Matuga, an act that shocked the community and underscored the brutal reality of child sacrifice and trafficking in Uganda. The case did not progress as Edith and her family had hoped, but survival itself became her first victory.
Make a Child Smile Uganda rescued Edith after she was found critically injured in the bush. She spent two weeks in a coma, and even while hospitalized, her life remained at risk as her attackers allegedly attempted to reach her again. Due to heavy security deployment, she was protected.
According to Alex Sembatya, Executive Director of Make a Child Smile Uganda, doctors initially advised that Edith would never return to school, warning that her brain could not withstand academic pressure. Despite this, the organisation enrolled her in school and supported her education up to Senior Four, where she successfully completed her O-Level studies.
Medical experts later confirmed that Edith could not advance further in formal academic education. She has remained on daily medication since 2018, and without it, she experiences blackouts that can take more than five days for her to recover from—an experience she describes as deeply embarrassing and emotionally difficult.
Despite these challenges, Edith pressed on.
Make a Child Smile Uganda supported her to enroll in a tailoring and fashion design course, which she has now completed successfully. Edith can make both men’s and women’s clothing in a wide range of styles. With pride and purpose, she says she now wants to use her skills to train other unemployed young people so they can earn a living and pass the skills on to others.
Her parents and sponsors, despite financial hardships, remained emotionally supportive throughout her long recovery journey. International partners, including Kensington Capital Philanthropies (KCP) based in the United States and an individual donor, Christopher, played a critical role in raising funds for her daily medication and upkeep.
Today, Edith’s graduation in tailoring and fashion design marks a major milestone—not just for her, but for Make a Child Smile Uganda, which continues to advocate for children who have survived horrific experiences such as trafficking and human sacrifice.
“This is a big success story,” Sembatya says. “With these skills, Edith can sustain herself even when we are not around.”
Make a Child Smile Uganda continues to support survivors at primary, secondary, and vocational levels, while actively following up on child-rights cases and supporting thousands of vulnerable children across the globe.
Edith’s story is not just one of survival—but of hope, courage, and the possibility of rebuilding life after unimaginable trauma.
