

My work at International Samaritan began just over a month ago. Uganda, one of the poorest countries in the world, presents a challenging backdrop for our mission. The average daily income barely reaches one dollar, and the lack of formal education and employment opportunities compound the difficulties for most Ugandans.
During my first month, I conducted home visits in Kiteezi, the community surrounding the largest dumpsite in Kampala (Uganda’s capital city). As I entered one home after another, a common thread emerged—the standard of living was abysmal, and these small dwellings were packed with four to six family members living in a single room. But one woman’s story touched my heart.

Betty and other workers sorting and picking through waste at the Kiteezi dumpsite, Uganda.
As I approached Betty in the parking lot, I could see the weariness and struggle etched on her face. She appeared in her mid-30s, with tired eyes. I introduced myself as a representative of International Samaritan and asked to hear her story. Even though I was with one of the community leaders, Betty hesitated, seemingly unsure of my intentions. However, as I explained that I genuinely wanted to understand her situation and find ways to help, she opened up. She began to share her heartbreaking story, giving me a glimpse into her life.
At 16, Betty was married off because her mother couldn’t afford her school fees. The man she married was HIV positive, and he later died after they had three children. It wasn’t easy without a source of income since her husband was the sole breadwinner. As if that was not enough, her community discriminated against and stigmatized her because of her HIV status. This forced Betty to move from Bukedea to Kampala to seek work.
Betty walked 160 miles from her home to Kampala in pursuit of her dream. Being a single mother and coming from a low-income family didn’t stop her determination to transform her life and that of her three children.

Betty organizes her bed in an open space by a church near the Kiteezi dump site.
Betty has lived in the local church’s parking lot for three years. It was not by choice but out of desperation. She recounted the challenges they faced daily. The lack of proper shelter meant enduring harsh weather conditions, often without protection from rain or sunshine. Their conditions are incredibly cramped, as they only have a small area to call their own amidst the disorganized surroundings, but Betty remains determined to her give children a chance at a better life.
I am here because of Betty—and so many others like her working in Uganda’s garbage dump sites trapped in a cycle of poverty, lacking access to education, job opportunities, and even basic necessities. These traps do not need to be permanent. We will break them together in the days ahead!
Watch as Betty tells her story.

David Kafambe, Uganda Country Director
David Kafambe was appointed International Samaritan’s Uganda Country Director in April 2023, with more than 15 years of leadership experience with deep knowledge of East Africa. David specializes in managing and developing organizations in development and humanitarian contexts. He has degrees in Community Development, Business Administration and an MBA.
It’s Never too Late
Growing up, Sonia would wake in the early morning hours, and instead of heading to school, she'd...
Unstoppable Moms
Villa Guadalupe is home to more than 1,000 people. This area was once part of the capital city’s...
A True Neighbor
In the heart of Apartama, a neighborhood next to a city garbage dump in Ethiopia, one woman stands...
The Gift of Shoes
Clothes were becoming a big deal for me as a sixth grader at St. Scholastica on Detroit’s...
Sisterhood at the Dumpsite
Making friends is very noble. Maintaining the friendship despite all odds is loyalty. The story...
Pressing On
“A lot of our Samaritan Scholars have had to grow up too quickly,” said our Program Director in...