KIREKA, 1 May 2008 (IRIN) - Carmela Acen fled her home in northern Uganda when the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) began its insurgency campaign in 1986. She told IRIN/PlusNews about her life in Kireka, a poor township in the capital, Kampala.

"I couldn't stay longer in Kitgum [district in northern Uganda]. Two uncles and two relatives were killed. I couldn't stay in my village, Lukung.

"I went to Kampala and stayed with a sister in Kibuli [suburb of Kampala], and then moved to Kireka. I am caring for 28 children left behind by my brothers and sisters and in-laws. Most of the parents have died of AIDS, one of cholera and the others in the war.

"There are so many people with AIDS, even me. I am soon starting ARVs [life-prolonging antiretroviral medication], but I have been on Septrin [an antibiotic].

"At the beginning, my husband couldn't believe I was positive, so he wanted to prove it wasn't true and tested. He is positive. We aren't having [sexual] relations anymore because there are so many children in the house.

"I felt very bad at the beginning, but I was counselled and then I became free. I tell everyone I'm positive and talk about it, because it's no secret.

"I had TB [tuberculosis] last year and completed eight months of medicine. Two of my relatives who died had TB. Also, my co-wife [husband's second wife] had it.

"I couldn't work in the quarry; I couldn't do things like just cooking. Before, I was going to the quarry four times a week, and having my own quarry pit from my father-in-law who lived here a long time ago. I would fill a lorry with broken rock in three weeks.

"I cannot go back to Kitgum. I cannot recognise my place - it's just bush now. Most of my relatives are dead, but there are a few people who are still there. I went to Kitgum last May for a burial, and all I saw was graves. It brought back memories.

"Kampala is to stay; Kitgum is to visit. Here there are problems, but I join friends and forget the past. When I'm in the village there are so many orphans. Where do you start? And who do you leave?

"I want to have somewhere for the children to rest, but there is no money to finish the house I started. It is built up to the windows.

"The oldest [child] is 24 and the youngest is four. The young ones will keep growing and the oldest will help them. I pray for life, so I can see my children when they are growing. I don't have bad thoughts, I appreciate what God gives."

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