How a mother inspired her daughters to walk
BY GLORIA IRANKUNDA
For Veronica Primrose Kisaakye, walking is more than just a physical activity. It is a lifeline, a way to reconnect with health, and to bond with her children.
On November, 17, 2024, she and her daughters, Gabriella Atuhairwe Twesige (13) and Raphaella Atugonza Twesige (11) walked 10 kilometres in the Joe Walker Remembrance Relay Walk turning what could have been a challenging experience into a powerful lesson in resilience and family unity.
Ms Kisaakye, an entrepreneur and mother of three, shared how walking has transformed her life. “I used to suffer from severe back issues. There were times I would be bedridden for months, unable to do anything for myself. Various treatments offered little relief until an orthopaedic specialist at Kampala Hospital suggested walking as a remedy. This was my turning point. Since then, I have not been down for the last two years,” she revealed.
Her daughters have witnessed this transformation firsthand. “We used to see Mom struggle with her health,” Atuhairwe recalls. “But now she is stronger, and it motivates us too.”
This personal journey inspired Kisaakye to involve her children in the Joe Walker community’s monthly walks. These became a routine, strengthening their bond while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
For Ms Kisaakye and her daughters who went by Team Twinoburyo, the regular walks prepared them well for the 10-kilometre challenge. “We did not have a special training routine,” says Atuhairwe. “We just kept up with our monthly walks. The support from the community made it easier. When you see others pushing forward, you feel motivated to keep going.”
“I believe in including my children in activities that are beneficial for well-being and character development. Whether it is business or walking, as long as it is legal, moral, and healthy, we do it together,” Ms Kisaakye explains.
Primrose with daughters Gabriella and Raphaella celebrate with other members after finishing their 10km walk
For Atugonza, the journey was particularly challenging. Midway through the walk, fatigue set in, and she considered giving up. “I was really tired, and I told my mom I did not think I could continue,” she recalls. But her mother’s encouragement made all the difference.
This perseverance was not new to Atuhairwe. She has walked 15 kilometres before. Last year, she watched her mother complete a gruelling 30 kilometres for the Joe Walker Remembrance walk. Inspired by her mother’s resilience, she knew she had to push through.
The 10-kilometre journey from Kulambiro to Kalerwe was filled with reflections. “As we walked, I thought about how life is similar, sometimes tough, but you keep moving towards your goal,” Ms Kisaakye shared. She uses these walks to teach her daughters resilience and determination. “The sun was intense, and I felt for them as a mother, but we could not stop. It is a life lesson: you do not quit halfway.”
Atuhairwe who once found walking tedious, now sees it as a rewarding activity. “At first, I did not like waking up early. It was only hard where the roads were not good but it felt good to finish. I wanted to keep going!” Atuhairwe admits with a smile. She highlights another benefit: “It is a break from screens and routine. I even encouraged my friends to join next time.”
Ms Kisaakye believes involving children in such activities has long-term benefits. “Walking teaches discipline, consistency, and resilience. These are lessons they will carry into adulthood. Many cultures involve children in family activities from a young age, and I want the same for my kids.” She advocates for consistency, emphasising that “natural remedies like walking only work when you stick with them.”
Veronica and daughters at Kulambiro
The Joe Walker community provides not only accountability but also a sense of belonging. “We set monthly targets. This month, I am aiming for 100 kilometres. It is up to me how I achieve it, but the community keeps me accountable,” she explains.
Reflecting on the experience, Atuhairwe and Atugonza express pride and gratitude. “We see how much walking has helped Mom, and it inspires us. We will definitely keep walking,” says Atuhairwe.
For Kisaakye, walking with her daughters is about more than health, it is about building stronger family bonds and instilling values that will last a lifetime. “I encourage other parents to involve their children in healthy, meaningful activities. It is not just good for their bodies; it is good for their hearts and minds too.”
