Survive in Katanga

Moreen Ajambo (34) is one of Ugandas best boxers. In 2014, she participated in the World Cup in Canada, and lost by technical knockout in the preliminary round. She became a national champion in 2019. Every day, Moreen gets up at 05.00, runs a regular route of an hour and a half in Ugandas capital, Kampala, before making breakfast for the children in the alley outside the small home of 6-7 square meters which she rents. The mother of seven lives there with her five youngest children. When the breakfast is done, the workday begins. Making and delivering lunch to regular customers in Katanga. Cooking gives an income of 5000 shilling, just a bit more than 1 US Dollar per day. In addition to this, she also works as a hairdresser, and takes on the assignments she can get when the afternoon session in the Rhino boxing club is completed. She cuts hair until midnight if she has to. In a good week, she has 3-4 customers, which generates an income of 45.000 – 60.000 shilling (12-17 USD). Life in the slum never gives time to rest. She tries to block the challenges of daily life during training and matches, but most often concerns about bills and school fees for the children, still prevail. Despite little, or actually no help from the authorities or association in facilitating boxing, she does not give up: «My greatest strength is my heart, and my courage. I have no fear, and if someone says that something is impossible, I get even more motivated». The big goal is to participate in the Olympics, but even more important, the dream of breaking out of the slum – being able to give the children a better future.