A Ugandan woman who endured ten years of childlessness and social rejection is now at the centre of national celebration after delivering quintuplets at Mulago Specialised Women’s Hospital.
Mariam, a woman in her early 30s, had struggled to conceive a second child for a decade. What began as a stable and joyful marriage slowly deteriorated as community expectations mounted and her husband’s patience waned.
According to relatives and close friends, her husband—initially supportive—became increasingly distant and eventually abandoned their home in frustration over their prolonged childlessness.
“He dreamed of being called ‘father’ again, but the emptiness grew heavier each year,” a family acquaintance said.
Years of Isolation and Emotional Distress
Left on her own, Mariam slipped into a severe emotional crisis. Friends say she battled loneliness, depression, and a deep sense of hopelessness.
“With every passing day, she sank further,” said her close friend Madina. “She reached a point where she wanted to end her life.”
Madina, a devoted Muslim, encouraged Mariam to seek prayer at Holy City Church in Entebbe, led by Bro. Ronnie Makabai. She believed Mariam still had a chance at healing and restoration.
After initial hesitation, Mariam visited the church, where she presented two prayer requests: reconciliation in her marriage and the blessing of a child.
Bro. Ronnie prayed for her, assuring her that “God would answer in abundance,” according to church members.
In a dramatic turn of events, Mariam’s husband reportedly returned home two days later, seeking forgiveness and expressing his desire to formalise their marriage.
“I want to visit your parents and marry you,” he told her, according to Mariam. The couple thereafter held an introduction ceremony attended by family and friends.
Weeks later, Mariam discovered she was pregnant.
A Birth That Stunned Medical Staff
On October 18, after a full-term pregnancy, Mariam delivered five healthy babies at Mulago Specialised Women’s Hospital. Doctors said the multiple pregnancy had not been detected in previous scans — an unusual occurrence that drew widespread attention.
Crowds flocked to the hospital, and journalists arrived from across the country to document what many described as a rare and extraordinary birth.
“Mariam’s husband was the happiest man,” a relative said. “The voices he had long dreamt of hearing call him ‘father’ were now real.”
A Celebration of Faith and New Beginnings
Following the delivery, the family returned to Holy City Church to give thanks. Bro. Ronnie named the first baby Isaac, symbolising laughter, and the last baby Benjamin, representing strength and blessing. He prayed for the quintuplets, declaring good health and prosperity.
The service drew emotional reactions from congregants, with many calling the story a powerful testament to faith, endurance, and hope.
A Story Resonating Nationwide
Mariam’s journey from despair to unexpected joy has become one of the year’s most widely discussed human-interest stories. Faith leaders and community members say her experience highlights the need for emotional support within marriages facing hardship.
“Her story teaches us that separation is not always the answer,” a church elder said. “Families should seek support and hold onto hope.”
For Mariam, who once felt her life had collapsed, the cries of her five newborns now bring renewed meaning and purpose.
“This is truly God,” she said tearfully. “He is a great God.”