Michael, a young man in his late twenties from a small village near Kampala, had been struggling with severe mental health challenges for years. His family and community, unsure of how to help, turned to traditional practices, believing he was under spiritual attack. This led to Michael being chained at a local church for weeks, in an attempt to “cure” him.  

The scene was heartbreaking. Isolated and misunderstood, Michael had become a symbol of fear and stigma in his community. But everything changed when Twogere intervened.  
Upon hearing about Michael’s situation, our team acted quickly. We partnered with healthcare providers to ensure Michael was safely unchained and transported to a mental health facility in Kampala. There, he received a proper diagnosis and began treatment, which included therapy and medication tailored to his needs.  

The journey was not easy. Michael’s family initially resisted, believing traditional methods were the only solution. Through our Social Contact Education sessions, we worked closely with his family and community, educating them on mental health conditions, their causes, and the importance of professional care. Gradually, they began to understand that Michael’s condition was not a spiritual curse but a medical condition that could be managed with the right support.  

“"I never thought I’d see my brother smile again,” Michael’s sister said tearfully. “Twogere didn’t just save him; they saved our whole family from despair.”  

 

With continued support from Twogere, Michael made remarkable progress. He regained his strength, his confidence, and his dignity. Today, he is actively involved in his church—not as someone chained in the corner, but as a contributing member of his community.  

“"I felt lost and forgotten,” Michael shared during a Twogere event, where he courageously told his story. “Twogere reminded me that I’m not alone and that healing is possible. They gave me a second chance at life.”  

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Beyond Michael’s recovery, his story has sparked change in his village. His church has joined hands with Twogere to host mental health awareness workshops, ensuring that no one else suffers the way Michael did.