UPDATE 27/01/2026
Joseph has finished his first period of treatment and was able to leave hospital on Friday. For now, he is staying with a relative in Kampala so that he can remain close to the hospital for ongoing care.
The treatment has been tiring, and Joseph has lost his hair and some weight, but we’re glad to share that he’s starting to feel a little stronger and is managing to eat better. He’s able to get up and walk short distances now, although he still gets tired easily and needs plenty of rest.
Joseph will return to the hospital in early February for further checks, when the doctors will also plan the next stage of his treatment.
Thanks to your incredible generosity, we have now raised an amazing £3,390 towards Joseph’s treatment. We’re so grateful for every gift, prayer, and message of encouragement. The appeal will remain open for donations (here) until the end of the month, and we’ll continue to share updates as we’re able.
Thank you for continuing to hold Joseph in your thoughts and prayers as he takes these next steps.
UPDATE 13/01/2026
Thank you so much for your kind generosity and support for Joseph.
In just four days, an amazing £2,970 has already been raised towards his urgent medical care! We are so grateful for your incredible generosity, prayers, and kind messages, and we are well on the way to the £5,000 goal.
Joseph has now had four doses of chemotherapy, and the news is encouraging. Before treatment began, he had a high fever, was shivering a lot, and needed help to get out of bed and bathe. Today, the fever has gone, the swelling in his stomach has reduced, and he’s starting to get his appetite back. He’s now able to get out of bed on his own and bathe independently, which feels like a real step forward.
Updates may be a bit patchy over the next few days, as internet access is being cut off across Uganda from this evening due to the National Elections. Please be assured that Joseph continues to be well cared for, and we’ll share more news as soon as we’re able.
If you’d still like to donate, you can do so via the donate button above.
Thank you again for your kindness and for supporting Joseph at this time.
We had hoped that our first message of the new year would be a simple update, but instead, we have an urgent and unexpected appeal.
One of our students, Joseph, who is 19, has just received a confirmed diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. He has already begun chemotherapy and is currently staying at the specialist cancer hospital in Kampala, where he will remain for the next few weeks while doctors monitor how he tolerates the treatment. Joseph joined Child of Hope in primary school and has just completed Senior 3, the year before O-Levels. He is a hardworking and very sociable young man, with a real love of football, fine art, and debating.
Hospital treatment is not free in Uganda – the full costs are not yet known and will be significant. We are therefore setting a target of £5,000 to help cover urgent medical expenses, transport, and ongoing care.
The encouraging news is that Joseph’s major organs are not affected, and he is responding well to treatment so far. Starting chemotherapy quickly has been vital, and continued treatment now gives him real hope.
We are very conscious that this appeal comes soon after Christmas, and we know many of you have already given so generously. An update on our Christmas appeal will be shared with you shortly. However, Joseph’s situation is an emergency, and we felt it was important to let you know and give you the opportunity to help if you are able.
If you would like to support Joseph at this critical time, donations can be made via our website here. Every gift, large or small, will make a real difference as he begins this difficult journey. (Any funds received over and above Joseph’s needs will be used to support healthcare provision across Child of Hope.)
Thank you, as always, for standing with our students and for your continued care, prayers, and support.