On the long-running ABC-TV show “What Would You Do”, producers secretly film strangers who witness staged illegal or unethical activity and ask the question, “What would you do?” I’ve personally never seen the show, but the premise seems interesting. At the age of 15, Patricia Namukasa faced a very real “what would you do” question, on which the future of her three younger siblings and her own rested.

Despite growing up in a challenging home environment, Patricia was a bright, energetic, and responsible child. Patricia never knew her father, as he deserted her mother when Patricia was just an infant. Her mother went on to give birth to a younger brother and two younger sisters, all by different men, each of whom in turn abandoned Patricia’s mother.

Patricia’s mother tried to support the family by buying and selling cassava, a starchy staple in the Ugandan diet. She was able to keep a roof over her family’s head, but little else. Patricia remembers helping out around the home as the oldest sibling and has fond memories of playing games with friends like hopscotch.

But there was little money for school. At times, each of the 4 children was able to attend school, but money would run out, and Patricia’s younger siblings would have to drop out. However, teachers at the local government school saw Patricia’s potential and allowed her to attend school even though her mother could not afford to pay tuition. Patricia excelled at math and English. In fact, her English skills are among the best I’ve seen in a person her age.

What Would You Do?

Patricia’s “what would you do” moment came at age 15 as she returned from school one day with her younger brother and sisters. Their mother was nowhere to be found. Patricia thought that was odd. But when she awoke the next morning and her mother was still missing, she began to worry. She asked neighbors who told Patricia that her mother had left with a man the day before. That was the last time anyone in her family or neighborhood saw Patricia’s mother.

Patricia realized that now–at age 15–she had to support her younger siblings. Rather than go to school that day, she went to businesses in her village looking for a job. Eventually, she stopped at a bar. At her age, she knew she had few skills, but she believed she could at least clean or wash dishes.

The manager agreed to hire Patricia, but not for her cleaning skills. He told Patricia she would be paid to dance. Patricia naively protested that she did not know how to dance. The manager assured Patricia that she would do fine. He gave her 10,000 Ugandan shillings (about $3.00) and told her to come back that night.

With the money, Patricia was able to buy food for her siblings, and she returned to the bar, not knowing how her life would change. As you have certainly guessed by now, 15-year-old Patricia, who had never had a boyfriend and whose life revolved around school and her chores at home, was pimped out by her manager and forced to sleep with men from the bar from day one.

Patricia was shocked once she realized what was expected of her. However, all she could think about was her obligation as the big sister to take care of her siblings. She hated the idea of selling her body, but her sense of obligation to her brother and sisters overwhelmed the horror in front of her.

Most of us would say Patricia made the wrong decision when faced with her “what would you do” question. However, it is hard to be too harsh if you haven’t been faced with her choice.

Patricia continued to work in bars for 5 years, taking care of her younger brother and sisters. She tried to hide her life from her siblings, but at some point, they realized what she was doing to feed, house, and clothe them.

Patricia at the WE Restore Home

In 2023, just before her 20th birthday, Patricia learned about the WE Restore Home and the promise of a better life. Patricia enrolled in the program, and while it was far better than selling her body on the street, she chafed at the discipline of the Home. She was not happy with the rules, but being the responsible big sister, Patricia stuck with the program and came to embrace life at the Home.

Patricia dedicated herself to the hairdressing skills training the home offered. In less than 1 year, Patricia graduated in August of 2024. At first, Patricia went to work in a salon, but she wanted something more entrepreneurial. A few months ago, Patricia went to work for an event planning business. She now works on planning and outfitting event spaces for weddings and other special events. For the August 2025 graduation ceremony at the WE Restore Home, our Ugandan staff hired Patricia to provide decorations and handle event logistics.

As an event planner, Patricia is able not only to make a decent living for herself, but she is also able to support her three younger siblings. She is still their big sister.

WE International shows the love of Christ to the most vulnerable women, children, and families in Eastern Uganda, like Patricia Namukasa. These efforts rely solely on your contributions. When you donate using the button below, your entire contribution will go directly to Uganda to support our efforts there.