During his youth, Ssali Salpha worked as a bus driver in the early 1980s. In those days, being diagnosed with HIV was considered a death sentence. Ssali himself was diagnosed with the virus and had to endure discrimination, loss of loved ones, and the brutal side effects of early HIV drugs. However, he acknowledges that advancements in treatment have allowed millions to live with the virus today.
Ssali recalls the terrible environment for people with HIV in the past, especially in Uganda where they were often quarantined and mistreated. He expresses joy that things have changed so much that even young people can now come close to him and greet him without fear of discrimination.
He admits that his diagnosis was difficult to accept, but not entirely surprising given his promiscuous behavior during his long-distance travels from coast to coast. Despite losing many people he knew to the disease, Ssali started taking antiretroviral drugs which he credits with saving his life.
Although he takes pills every day, Ssali laments that HIV stigma still exists in many regions. He considers himself lucky to still be alive and with his wife and feels it is a miracle that his daughter is HIV-negative.
JFM visited Ssali in his old-fashioned home, where he spoke of God’s grace in allowing him to witness His works. When asked if he would accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior, Ssali postponed salvation for another time. They prayed together and JFM gave him food before leaving.
William J. Wegener (Bill) is the founder and director of JesusFedMe.com, a ministry with a simple yet powerful mission: to feed the hungry, share the gospel of JESUS CHRIST, and transform lives in Uganda. Bill believes that meeting both physical and spiritual needs is the best way to reflect the love of GOD, and through JFM, countless lives have been touched.
Under his leadership, JesusFedMe.com has:
Delivered food daily to poor families and orphans. | Dug wells to provide clean water to villages. | Built homes and resource centers for struggling communities. |. Established the Miracle Medical Center (MMC) in Nakaseke District, providing medical care where none was available. |. Launched the CVTI Skilling Center, offering vocational training and hope for the future.
Bill’s heart for the poor flows from the words of JESUS in Matthew 25:35: “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.” He often says that every bag of rice delivered, every child clothed, and every prayer offered is a reminder that GOD’s love is real and practical.
None of this would be possible without faithful donors who give generously. Bill sees himself not just as a director, but as a steward—ensuring that every dollar makes a difference in feeding the hungry and leading souls to CHRIST. His vision is to see communities in Uganda transformed, both physically and spiritually, through the power of the gospel and the kindness of those who support the work.
