Hellen Baleke, Uganda’s Bronze medalist at the 2019 All
Africa Games in Rabat Morocco is struggling to make ends meet.
The 33-year-old
All Africa games champion lives in Katanga slums in Kawempe Division in Kampala together with
her mother and children.
She told URN in
an interview on Wednesday that she is living a difficult life, saying her house
floods whenever it rains.
//Cue in: “Enkuba yatonya …
Cue out: kumpi beach”//
According to Baleke, she used her allowances from different
fights to buy tailoring machines, which she uses to train young girls and earn
a living to support her family amidst challenges.
//Cue in: olaba buno obwarani …
Cue out: newajula amaazi,”//
Baleke says that despite the enormous challenges, she decided to train young in
tailoring and self-defence skills for survival.
//Cue in: “kati wano abasinga…
Cue out: nga yetetenkanya”//
Unfortunately, Baleke’s landlord impounded some of her tailoring machines because of rent
arrears.
//Cue in: Olaba wali emabega …
Cue out: bimpa bikyaliyo”//
Sarah Basemera, one of the single mothers who have benefited
from the Baleke’s efforts, says that the pugilist has tried improving their
welfare amidst her own challenges.
//Cue in: “Tuli bakyala bawerako …
Cue out: tuba bulungi” //
Moses Muhangi, the president Uganda Boxing Federation
recently visited Baleke and donated Shillings 1 million to renovate her house. Muhangi
has since called on other people and well-wishers to support the boxer.
Baleke’s mother, Sarah Bagoole thanked Muhangi and the late
Zebra Ssenyange for influencing Baleke to love boxing.
She wants the government
to reward her daughter for raising the country’s flag so as to inspire other
boxers to love the sport.
//Cue in: “Eno embeera jetulimu …
Cue out: wadde teyasoma//
Currently, only gold and silver medalists are entitled to a
monthly allowance of Shillings 5 million and Shillings 3 million respectively
from the government in line with the presidential directive in 2014.