From a boy with a deformity after his body was severely burnt to a healthy, normal person again and his education being supported by President Jakaya Kikwete since primary school, Mr Bakari Katumbuka has come forward to thank the president for his help.
President Jakaya Kikwete
Addressing a press conference in Dar es Salaam, Mr Katumbuka said he was deeply grateful for the president’s help from when he was ill aged six years to date when he is now 20 years of age and the president was still paying for his education.
“I was born just fine without any deformity in Sikonge District, Tabora Region, but at the age of six I was involved in an accident in which my whole body got burnt. I ended up with my left arm, thigh and stomach joined together,” said Mr Katumbuka.
After the accident he was sent to a mission hospital where he was admitted and treated for eight months, “but after the treatment my thigh, stomach and arm were still attached,” he said.
With the unwavering support of his mother Aziza Katumbuka and grandmother Tabu Katumbuka, he visited various hospitals but no help was forthcoming, as doctors said there was nothing more they could do for him, narrated Mr Katumbuka.
“When Mr Kikwete came to Sikonge during his presidential campaign in 2005, I tried my best to meet him and ask him for his help; that is when he promised me that if he won the election I would be the first person he would help,” he said, adding:
“The day after the president was sworn-in he called and I was taken to Dar es Salaam and sent to Muhimbili hospital for treatment.” He said the first operation was performed to separate his thigh from the stomach, and a second one was also undertaken. He was still admitted to hospital and doing well when the president visited him.
“That is when he promised to pay for my education till I got tired of studying,” he said. After the last operation on his hands, the doctors said that it was complicated and they recommended that he be sent to India for further treatment.
After the treatment in India he can now use both his hands to do uncomplicated functions such as washing and cleaning, continued Mr Katumbuka.
“I have just finished Form Four at Nguru Secondary School in Sikonge District and now I am studying my journalism certificate at the Time School of Journalism (TSJ) in Dar es Salaam and my performance is good,” he said.
He thanked the president and promised that he would never forget Mr Kikwete in his entire life for the support he gave him. He also thanks the doctors, his mother and grandmother for their help and understanding.
“I promise my fellow Tanzanians that I shall be in the frontline in helping other citizens facing similar problems, just as President Kikwete has showed the way,” said Mr Katumbuka.
By MARY RAMADHANI, Tanzania Daily News
