Though she will soon clock four years, Okello Pauline Tracy has failed to talk. Doctors at the Mulago National Referral hospital have diagnosed her with a speech disorder.

According to an ENT specialist attached to Mulago hospital, Okello who hears well and responds has enlarged adenoids.

Her mother, Josephine Namusanje, a nursery school teacher in Kyebando a Kampala suburb, said doctors at Mulago advised that the daughter gets an operation, but funds to meet the operation has been a dream over the last year.

"The fortunate thing is that the operation can be conducted here in Uganda. I was told Sh2 million would suffice for an operation at Mulago but I have failed to raise that money".

My girl has reached school going age but I can't take her, it also seems she is developing a mental retardation," said Namusanje.

She said for two years she has been getting support from Wamalanakku Orphans Foundation and Center for Vulnerable Children (WOFCVC).