“I thank MCS even in my grave” — the volunteers who showed up for Magola’s oldest residents

In Uganda, growing old in a rural community means growing invisible. With no formal care systems, no social security, and high rates of poverty and neglect, elderly women in villages like Magola Sub County carry enormous burdens with almost no support. Many live alone. Many go without basic necessities. Most are forgotten.

This year, MCS decided that was not acceptable.

MCS volunteers cleaning Akello Namanyi Osinde’s home

The reality for older people in Uganda

Uganda’s elderly population is expected to cross 6 million by 2050. The majority live in rural areas and face widespread challenges — illiteracy, landlessness, food insecurity, poor health, and neglect by younger generations. Yet older people remain one of the most important pillars of their communities, often serving as primary caregivers for grandchildren when parents are absent or have passed away.

There are no systems in place to care for them in return.

What MCS did

This year, MCS volunteers visited five elderly women in Magola Sub County. They fumigated homes to clear bed bugs, washed clothes, and cleaned compounds. For women who had been struggling alone, the arrival of MCS volunteers was overwhelming.

Aketch Asinasi received a new mattress to replace one worn beyond use. At Christmas, each of the five women received sugar, soap, and tea leaves — small gifts that carried an enormous message: you are not forgotten.

“Whenever I could cry at night, something would tell me there are people coming to wipe away your tears. I didn’t know it was MCS. I am very grateful and I thank MCS even in my grave.” — Aketch Asinasi

Aketch Asinasi’s old mattress and new given to her by MCS.

The women MCS supported this year

• Akello Edisa
• Akello Namanyi Osinde
• Aketch Asinasi
• Phoebe Oburu
• Akongo Denzie

Why this matters

Care is not a luxury. For these five women, MCS volunteers showing up meant clean homes, fresh bedding, and the knowledge that someone in the world sees them and values their life. It costs very little. It means everything.

MCS team giving Christmas gift to Aketch Asinasi

MCS plans to continue and expand this programme. If you would like to support the elderly care work, please visit our donations page.