By Male Marvin
KAMPALA – A Ugandan Christian boy has had three trips in 18 months to Australia and three successful surgeries to reattach his genital organ after it was accidentally amputated by a local hospital.
With the support of Peter Ssewakiryanga, the founder and executive Director of Kyampisi Childcare Ministries (KCM), and the local pastor for the families in Kyampisi Village in Masindi District, Benson Wasswa is set to arrive home for Christmas free from pain and worry.
Kyampisi Childcare Ministries together with Droplets in a Stream, among others, broke the news of Benson’s tragic incident where his penis was accidentally amputated in botched surgery years back, prompting several well-wishers to respond with aid.
The surgeries were performed free of charge by urologist David Winkle and his team of surgeons at the Mater Children’s Hospital after he was flown to Australia.
Dr Winkle told Australian media while it was not the first time he had performed the surgery, it was unusual and most “unfortunate” for Benson.
Dr Winkle said the procedure was “quite complex”.
The surgery was made possible by a team of seven people with Australian-based plastic surgeon Dr Scott Ingram assisting Dr Winkle.
Droplets in a Stream director Rodney Callanan said Benson’s trip to Brisbane was one that came with many firsts after South African Airlines and Virgin Australia flew him from his home for free.
“(It was) his first time on a plane, his first time watching a movie, and even his first time seeing an escalator,” he said.
“Children like Benson need urgent medical treatment so they can live a normal life, but that’s just not possible in Uganda, which is why we’ve been looking for help in Australia.
“Benson deserves to live a carefree life, where he can go to the toilet normally like other children his age.” he said.
