From Isolation to Independence: How a Prosthesis Helped Eli Rebuild His Life in Uganda

After fleeing conflict in South Sudan and living for years with limited mobility, Eli Batali Freza has found renewed independence, dignity, and purpose through a prosthetic limb provided with support from Humanity & Inclusion's Liimba project. Today, the 37-year-old refugee, father, church leader, and advocate for people with disabilities is once again able to serve his community, care for his family, and look to the future with hope. He shares his story.

Being an amputee and fleeing the violence of war

I was born without a disability, but when I was young, I had an untreated leg injury for years. Despite seeking help from several health facilities, effective treatment remained out of reach. After many long years of being referred from one medical facility to another, an X-ray finally revealed that my bones had healed incorrectly, leaving amputation as the only option. I was about 22 years old at the time.

A few years later, war broke out in South Sudan, my home country. I saw many people lose their lives in the fighting, including my neighbor. In 2016, I decided to leave the country to find a haven where my life would no longer be in danger... I travelled with my older brother – who is also an amputee – for about a month before reaching the Ugandan border. On our arrival, we were lucky enough to come across some United Nations vehicles. The teams took us to the Ocea refugee reception center, in the Rhino settlement where I now live.

At first, our living conditions were very difficult… I was practically confined to where I lived; I couldn’t move around easily, let alone walk long distances. I also struggled to build a house as I couldn’t afford to buy the necessary materials…

Receiving my prosthesis and regaining my mobility

A few months later, in 2017, I discovered HI’s work through its disability awareness campaigns organized within my community. I was in regular contact with the organization and, in 2020, I was lucky enough to receive my first prosthesis! The early days were tough: the first time I wore it and walked with it, it was quite painful, but after about two months, I’d gotten used to it and could finally get around more comfortably.

Since then, I’ve felt more at ease and confident when using it! Getting this prosthesis has completely changed my life!

Now I can walk for long periods and stand for up to 45 minutes while preaching to the members of my congregation. As a church leader, it’s very important for me to visit people, and I regularly take part in meetings within my community. Thanks to this prosthesis, I can also access services further away from home and get more actively involved with my peers.

I’ve also learned that using a prosthesis requires a few precautions. For example, I avoid potholes and walking in the dark, as I don’t want it to break. When it rains, I wait until it’s safe to get around, as the HI teams have advised me to keep the prosthesis dry. I take great care of it, cleaning it regularly with a wet cloth, but it’s starting to wear out and the blue pads that secure the base of my amputated leg have come loose.

A peaceful daily life and hope for fellow people with disabilities

Today, I live a full life that once seemed out of reach. I spend my days with my family, visiting the local markets, supporting community activities, and serving members of my parish. What was once a daily struggle due to limited mobility has been replaced by greater independence, confidence, and participation in community life. HI’s support has helped me move freely, and the church has helped me build my house. These contributions have enabled me to create a more stable and dignified future.

I hope to see more people with disabilities, like me, benefit from the support that could improve their independence and quality of life. I also dream of seeing my children go to college and live in a properly built house that they can truly call home.

I am grateful to HI, not only for the support you have given me, but also for the help you provide to people with disabilities where we live. May God grant you more resources to help even more people!