Warriors who fight with us and have our backs
Hannington Kabugo
Parkinson's Si Buko
Uganda
A Son’s Heartbreak
I recently had the honor of meeting Hannington and learning about his incredible work through a video call.
Hannington Kabugo’s journey began with an unbearable tragedy—the slow, isolated suffering of his mother, Milly. In Uganda, where neurological conditions are often misunderstood and feared, Parkinson’s disease was seen not as a medical condition, but as a supernatural curse. When Milly began exhibiting tremors and stiffness, the community whispered that she was possessed, that she was being punished for an unknown sin. Even her own family was pressured to leave her behind, warned that staying with her would doom them to the same fate.
As a devoted son, Hannington could not abandon his mother. He secretly visited her, risking the anger of those around him. But no matter how much love he gave, he was powerless against the walls of ignorance that surrounded them.
One day, he arrived at her home and found her crawling on the floor, weak from hunger. She had been receiving food through a hole in the wall, placed there by a kind neighbor who feared direct contact with her. Using a long stick, the woman would push a plate of food through the hole and then hurry away, afraid that getting too close would doom her to the same disease. But when days passed without her coming, Milly had no choice but to survive on what was available—the dust she scraped from the wall with a metal bottle cap.
That moment became Hannington’s defining heartbreak—a pain no child should endure, yet one that would shape his life’s greatest mission.
Milly passed away without medical care, without dignity, and without the simple comfort of being with the ones she loved. But her story did not end with her death. It became the spark that ignited a movement.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
After his mother’s passing, Hannington was tormented by questions. What had caused her suffering? Was it truly a curse? Was there something—anything—that could have been done?
Determined to understand, he turned to Google, typing the words:
“What disease makes people shake?”
As he read through the results, watched videos, and saw images of others with Parkinson’s disease, his heart sank. The symptoms—tremors, stiffness, slow movement—matched his mother’s exactly. And then came the most devastating realization of all: Parkinson’s disease was treatable.
His mother had not needed to suffer in isolation. She had not needed to be cast aside. With medication and support, she could have lived with dignity. But she never had that chance—because no one knew.
Hannington’s heartbreak turned into something else—a burning mission to ensure that no other family in Uganda would suffer as his had.
The Stigma of Parkinson’s in Uganda
- What began s a one-man effort quickly grew into a national movement. Today, through Parkinson’s Si Buko, Hannington:
- Leads awareness campaigns to challenge the myths surrounding Parkinson’s and encourage early diagnosis.
- Trains doctors, nurses, and community health workers to recognize the disease and provide appropriate care.
- Secures donations of medication and connects patients with life-saving treatments that would otherwise be out of reach.
- Advocates for policy change to ensure better medical support for neurological diseases in Uganda.
Despite his incredible success, the challenges remain daunting. Uganda has only a handful of neurologists, and Parkinson’s medications are either unavailable or unaffordable for most patients. But Hannington refuses to be discouraged. He continues to fight—not just for his mother’s memory, but for every person suffering in silence.
A Call to Action: Changing the Future Through Education
Hannington knows that real change begins with education. One of his most inspiring initiatives is teaching students at St. Cyprian High School in Kyabakadde.
There, young people are learning how to support those with Parkinson’s in their communities. Through simple exercises, they assist patients, helping them regain mobility and confidence. More importantly, these students carry home something even greater than skills—they carry knowledge, compassion, and a new understanding of the disease.
These young changemakers are breaking the cycle of fear and ignorance, ensuring that the next generation grows up knowing that Parkinson’s is not a curse, not a punishment—but a medical condition that can be managed with the right care and support.
Join the Movement Imagine rsuffering from a disease that slowly takes away your ability to move, eat, and live independently—only to be told that you are cursed and must suffer alone. This is the reality for thousands of Ugandans today. But it doesn’t have to be.
Hannington has done the impossible with almost nothing. Now, he needs you.
• Donate: Help provide Parkinson’s medication to those who cannot afford it.
• Spread Awareness: Share Hannington’s story. Help fight the myths surrounding Parkinson’s.
• Collaborate: If you’re a medical professional, researcher, or advocate, partner with Parkinson’s Si Buko to expand access to treatment.
• Support Education: Help fund programs that teach students and health workers to better support Parkinson’s patients.
Learn more and support Hannington’s mission:
Hannington’s website: Parkinson’s Si Buko
Hannington’s Facebook Page: Connect with Hannington and learn more about his work.
Donate to support Hannington’s mission:
Together, we can ensure that no one suffers alone. Together, we can turn pain into purpose.
