Joy Nissi Mutamba: from grass to grace by creating desire from despair 

In the network of charity organizations, JOY NISSI MUTAMBA is best known for having a heart of a caregiver for elderly people and those with special needs.

Over the years, she has used her childhood experience growing up as an unprivileged orphan to influence, through a network of friends and well-wishers, support to several causes such as orphanages and dwelling places for the elderly. As Ernest Jjingo writes, she is also a strong advocate of philanthropy and believes in using her experience and professional network to benefit the vulnerable in society.

Last week, Mzee Home Care Foundation, a voluntary organisation, kicked off its 2023 calendar with a massive giveaway of basic essentials in healthcare, nutrition and clothing at their home in Kasana Luweero.

Mutamba, the brains behind the foundation, was elated to give back to the mostly elderly as well as children with special needs under their care.
The foundation has 103 elderly women and men as well as 56 children with special needs in different facilities.

“We provide them with weekly and monthly support, most especially food and healthcare needs. Most of this support is from well-wishers,” she said.

At the event, the foundation also launched its 2023 theme; Digital Equity for All Ages.

“We came up with that theme due to the dire needs of the persons we serve. We believe in equitable access to resources including digital resources that can empower the mindset of some of the vulnerable elders we serve,” she said.

Seeing how gracious the beneficiaries were, I couldn’t help but find out more about Mutamba’s vision. Indeed, the inspiration behind her efforts stem from being raised by her grandmother after her parents passed away when she was just a little girl.

“Despite growing up in poverty and facing many challenges, my grandmother instilled in me a strong work ethic and a kind heart. She taught me that no matter what life throws me way, I should always strive to help others and make a difference in the world,” she told The Observer.  

“I later witnessed how frail and disabled she became, I realized the need for collective deliberate interventions in the lives of the elderly in our society.”

As Mutamba (32) grew older, she says worked hard and eventually made her mark in business and entrepreneurship. Despite her success, she never forgot the lessons her grandmother taught her and the struggles she faced growing up. She decided to use some of her resources to give back to the Kasana communities and make a positive impact in the area.

Since 2018 when she started Mzee Home Care Foundation, Mutamba has used her influence to support other grassroots organizations that help the elderly and children with special needs. Among those are Home of Hope Jinja, Women of Steel Foundation, Gufasha Girl Child Organisation, Random Acts of Ubuntu, IAM children’s ministries, Deborah foundation, and Prayer Valley Elderly Home Mubende.

Joan Kembabazi from Gufasha Girl Child Organisation was full of praise for Mutamba’s efforts.

“We used to struggle to raise basic stuff for teenage mothers from vulnerable communities but when Joy visited us in Kayunga, she offered to give us 50 cartons of menstrual pads on top of educating the girls on how to use the menstrual cups. It was a game changer because many girls benefitted from the knowledge,” she says.

Over the past two years, Mzee Home Care Foundation has grown to partner and also support initiatives through creating joint solidarity to cause change in our communities.

Mutamba reasoned that as a foundation, they stand to benefit a lot from digital networking, partnership development and information sharing towards realizing the common good for the persons they serve currently whose current physiological and psychological needs are far below the digital access needs and requirements in the country.

“We focus greatly on creating partnerships that provide missing links in charity organizations. It can be through provision of technical advice on how to achieve organizational objectives, donations, fundraisers and promotion of similar objectives,” said Mutamba.

“We also work hand in hand with members of the local community, including, social workers, nurses, physiotherapists, dentists, mental consultants and other volunteers with practical experience. This gives us a chance to learn from one another through shared experience.”

As a caregiver for the elderly, Mutamba feels there is need for conscious advocacy for everyone to appreciate that they will age and that aging comes with unique challenges that are both psychological and physiological.

“There is need for everyone to appreciate that a common supportive community-based system for the aged does not only benefit the current elders but potentially awaits everyone. What’s more, everyone needs to appreciate that the elderly are the most kind and sacrificing adults for the wellbeing of orphaned children, particularly this country.”

Meanwhile, the inspiration to care for children with special needs stems from her 10-year-old son who was born a premature at seven months and doctors feared he would be crippled or get down syndrome.

“I had him in hospital for almost a year and luckily he made a full recovery. So, in 2019 when I visited Home of Hope in Jinja, a facility for children with special needs, it took me back to my son’s experience and I thought I could also lend a hand,” she said.

Going forward, Mutamba is hopeful of expanding the foundation’s services countrywide.

“So far we have branches in five districts but given the overwhelming support we get from well-wishers, the hope is to have a footprint across the country,” she said.

In the end, Mutamba wants to be known not just for her success, but for her kindness and generosity.

“I want to prove that no matter where you come from, you can overcome challenges and make a positive impact in the world, just like my grandmother taught me.”