In the wake of the Kiteezi landslide, which claimed over 36 lives, the Judith Nahurira Foundation has touched lives of four siblings—Shamirah, Kawuthara, Bashirah, and Lewis— by giving them a second chance through education and emotional support.
The Judith Nahurira Foundation, has stepped in to offer them a lifeline: education and hope for the future.
Shamirah Sekamate: A Heart Still Full of Hope
Ten-year-old Shamirah Sekamate's world was torn apart when the landslide claimed the lives of her mother and two siblings. Now living with her father, a carpenter who struggles to make ends meet, Shamirah’s future was uncertain. But she hasn’t given up. Through the support of the Judith Nahurira Foundation, she was enrolled at Namuwaaya Education Centre, where she’s been given a chance to heal and rebuild.
Shamirah, with the support of her teachers and counselors, is slowly starting to rediscover joy in her studies. And while the grief will take time to process, education has become a bright spot in her life.
Kawuthara Sekamate: A Sister’s Resilience
Shamirah’s younger sister, Kawuthara, is just 9 years old, but like her sister, she lost her mother and siblings in the landslide. Despite the weight of that loss, Kawuthara is showing strength beyond her years. She too was enrolled in Namuwaaya Education Centre, where she’s finding solace in her studies and the kindness of those around her.
The emotional scars are still there, but education and the safe space provided by the foundation have allowed Kawuthara to begin her healing journey.
Bashirah Sekamate: The Littlest Warrior
At just 7 years old, Bashirah is the youngest of the Sekamate sisters. Losing her mother and siblings has left her confused and afraid, her young heart burdened by a grief she shouldn’t have to carry. But the Judith Nahurira Foundation recognized that Bashirah needed more than just a classroom. She needed a place where she could feel safe, understood, and supported.
“She’s such a little girl,” says her caretaker, “but she’s been through so much already. The foundation not only gave her a school to go to, but they also helped her with counseling. It’s making a difference.”
Lewis Lutaaya: A Young Man with Big Dreams
For 19-year-old Lewis Lutaaya, life has been an uphill battle. Raised by a single mother after being abandoned by his father before birth, Lewis’ life has been full of challenges. But when the landslide swept away their home and livelihood, Lewis refused to let it break him.
Thanks to the Judith Nahurira Foundation, Lewis is now studying in Senior 5 at Namuwaaya Education Centre, determined to one day become a lawyer. “I’ve faced a lot of struggles,” he says, “but education is my way out. It’s the one thing no one can take away from me.”
The Foundation’s Impact
The children’s journey at Namuwaaya Education Centre has been nothing short of inspiring. Despite the trauma they’ve experienced, they’re thriving in an environment where learning is more than just about books—it’s about healing, finding purpose, and growing into the people they are meant to be.
The school’s director shares, “These kids have shown such incredible growth. They’re not just excelling academically, they’re beginning to heal emotionally. The support from the Judith Nahurira Foundation has been crucial in giving them that second chance at life.”
But the work doesn’t stop here. There are countless other children in Kiteezi and beyond who need the same support that Shamirah, Kawuthara, Bashirah, and Lewis have received. The Judith Nahurira Foundation is calling on the public to join them in making a lasting impact, ensuring more children have the chance to rebuild their lives through education.
How You Can Help
You can be part of this incredible journey. By contributing to the Judith Nahurira Foundation, you’re not just giving money—you’re giving hope. You’re offering children like Shamirah, Kawuthara, Bashirah, and Lewis the opportunity to dream, to learn, and to heal.
Visit www.judith-foundation.org to donate today. Together, we can empower dreams and help more children like Shamirah, Kawuthara, Bashirah, and Lewis find a future filled with hope
