Vinca’s kind hand reaches out
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Ugandan singer Vinka has extended the impact of her recent music concert beyond the stage after donating part of the proceeds from her “Vinka Live & Loud” show to mothers and children receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The Swangz Avenue songstress, whose real name is Veronica Nakiyingi Lugya, visited the hospital’s Paediatric Surgery Unit on September 7, where she delivered essential supplies and gifts to mothers and families facing difficult medical circumstances.
The donation came from proceeds of her major concert held on August 21, with Vinka saying she deliberately set aside part of the earnings to support mothers experiencing complications after childbirth and children born with medical challenges.
“I just had a concert recently and part of the proceeds from the concert were to support the mothers that get complications after giving birth and the children that have complications after childbirth,” Vinka said.
The visit was part of her personal “Mother to Mother” initiative, through which she seeks to encourage and support women navigating difficult experiences associated with childbirth and caring for sick children.
From music to motherhood
Vinka, who is also a mother, said her own experience of motherhood influenced her decision to reach out to women and children in hospital.
“As a mother, I know what a mother can go through after giving birth. I know what a child can go through, the depression, everything,” she said, calling on other people to support mothers facing difficult circumstances.
During the visit, Vinka and the Swangz Avenue management team interacted with mothers, newborns, health workers and families waiting for their children to receive treatment.
Vinca with some of the beneficiaries of her kind donation
The donated items included diapers, baby wipes, maternity pads, blankets, bar soap and Vaseline—basic supplies that can ease some of the challenges faced by families spending extended periods in hospital.
But for Vinka, the intervention was not simply about handing over material support.
She visited the wards, prayed with mothers and offered words of encouragement to families dealing with the uncertainty and emotional strain of having sick children.
“It’s a bit very emotional but what gives you the strength is the mothers are very strong,” she said.
Supporting a specialised unit
The Paediatric Surgery Unit at Mulago treats children from birth to 18 years with a range of surgical conditions, including birth defects, injuries and other complications requiring specialised care.
Nursing Officer Domitira Ashabahebwa said the unit handles between 150 and 200 inpatients every month, in addition to weekly outpatient services.
Among the conditions treated are gastroschisis, in which part of a baby’s intestines develops outside the body, intestinal blockages, anorectal malformations and injuries resulting from accidents.
Some children require urgent surgery, with specialised medical teams available to handle emergency cases.
Ashabahebwa said Mulago receives patients from across Uganda and neighbouring South Sudan because of its specialised paediatric surgeons and capacity to manage complex conditions.
Treatment at the facility is provided free of charge to mothers.
A message beyond the donation
Among the mothers who met Vinka was Atuzio Comfort, whose baby was admitted after developing jaundice.
Comfort, who arrived at Mulago on August 19, said her child had improved following treatment and praised the nurses for their support.
The hospital administration and medical staff also thanked Vinka and her team for supporting the maternity and paediatric care units.
For Vinka, the initiative represents an effort to turn the success of her music career into practical support for people experiencing some of life’s most difficult moments.
Her “Mother to Mother” campaign consequently adds a social dimension to the success of “Vinka Live & Loud”, demonstrating how proceeds from entertainment can be redirected towards supporting vulnerable families.
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