Mary 55 years old Amudat District Mary is a 55-year-old woman living in Amudat district, working as a subsistence farmer. Mary is a widow with seven children. She recounted to us how important the ID has become in many different parts of her life: You cannot get anything from Amudat if you don’t have an ID, for example voting, hospital, relief support [mainly food from NGOs]. Also, when I want to cross to Kenya, I need to have an identification that shows that I am a Ugandan. When the cows are stolen and you make a follow up, you need to identify yourself [Cattle rustling is rampant in Karamoja sub region. Communities within Karamoja or in Kenya raid each other for cattle]. I also needed an ID to be able to vote good leaders. Mary told us of the time when she was unable to access health services, saying: Yes, there was a time I was denied service in Amudat Hospital, by that time I didn’t have any money and I didn’t have an ID. I went and borrowed the ID from somebody I know. She also told the story of how her children were also denied treatment. It is two years ago, my child was sick and I went to Amudat hospital. I was asked to give the names of the child and explain how sick the child was. I was told to give money. I told them that my other child is bringing the money. Then I was told that if you don’t have money give us the ID. I told them I don’t have the ID. I was told that you will not get the medicine if you don’t give us the ID and that without it no medicine for you. I went and borrowed the ID from somebody I know. I surrendered the ID, and I was given the medicine. I was supposed to pay 50,000 shillings (50,000 UGX). The following day, I sold my goat and took the money to the hospital. After paying, they immediately gave me the ID and I took it back to the owner. Mary fears raising complaints to the hospital because, in her words: If I complain when my child is still there, they can administer expired drugs on him or her. So, I would not complain to the hospital because I fear. But for my elected leaders, I can tell them. The other time I told my Chairperson LCI and parish councilor because I knew that they would tell the other people [leaders] when they have meetings. 60 Chased Away and Left to Die

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