Epilepsy becomes excuse for Husband’s domestic abuse, narrates victim

Gulu City, Uganda: Nancy Akello, a mother of four from Gulu City, has opened up about how her battle with epilepsy led to gender-based violence and ultimately the collapse of her marriage.

Akello revealed that despite being married for over a decade, her husband used her medical condition as an excuse to mistreat her, often beating her and subjecting her to public humiliation. The abuse culminated in her being chased from their home after a seizure episode.

“He broke my hand during one of the fights triggered by my epilepsy,” recalled Akello’s daughter, Desire Atim. “She would cry often, afraid and alone. It was heartbreaking.”

With the national epilepsy prevalence at 1.69% and Northern Uganda at 1.35%, the region still battles stigma and misconceptions around the condition, factors that contributed to Akello’s suffering.

Abandoned but not broken, Akello found healing in entrepreneurship. She started a clothing business in Gulu City, which she credits with reducing her seizures and restoring her confidence. “I started rebuilding myself through business, support groups, and reconnecting with friends,” she said.

Akello described her journey as painful but empowering. “I’m stronger than I thought. I’ve survived the darkest moments. My story is a reminder that we are more than our condition—we are deserving of love and happiness.”

Her daughter Desire, visibly emotional, expressed hope for a cure. “As long as my mother suffers, I suffer too. I just want her to live without fear and judgment.”

Desire urged young couples to understand each other’s health conditions before marriage to prevent domestic violence born out of ignorance. “Epilepsy should not be a secret—couples must talk openly,” she said.

According to Enyou Charles, a psychiatric clinical officer at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, the high epilepsy rates in Northern Uganda stem from the effects of the past war and poor maternal healthcare. “Many women gave birth under unsafe conditions without medical assistance. These complications contribute to epilepsy,” he noted.

From January 2024 to date, Gulu Regional Referral Hospital has recorded 147 epilepsy cases, 99 outpatients and 48 admitted. Charles emphasized the need for couples to disclose their medical conditions to help partners offer support during emergencies.

Deputy City Commissioner Peter Banya urged the government to train health workers in epilepsy management and ensure anti-epileptic drugs are affordable and available in all health facilities. “Empowering medical staff is key to saving lives and strengthening families,” he said.

He also called for community sensitization through outreach and media campaigns, especially in rural areas where myths about epilepsy persist.

Kevin Adokorach, a neighbour, hailed Akello as hardworking but noted how seizures often leave her withdrawn. “She hides for days after an episode. But when seizures shake her body, kindness lifts her. We rush to help, showing that compassion is the greatest cure.”

Nurse Becky Achola advised parents to treat children with epilepsy with the same love and support as any other child. “They are not defined by seizures but by their potential,” she said.

Balington Okello, a Gulu City resident, urged traditional healers and stakeholders to raise awareness about epilepsy and disease prevention. “Epilepsy medication is too expensive for most parents. The government must step in and provide these drugs for free,” he said.

The Acholi sub-region, particularly in Kitgum, Lamwo, and Pader, is severely affected by nodding syndrome, a form of epilepsy. Studies estimate the prevalence in some areas is as high as 680 per 1,000 children aged 5 to 18, far above the national average of 10.3 per 1,000.