Susan Makula revealed that she decided to work in a casino after dropping out of school because she needed money to look after her son and her family wasn’t supportive. Makula got pregnant when she was in her second year at Makerere University, but her mother and most of her relatives weren’t happy with it so they gave her hell at home.
“I think I had one sister who accepted that [since I was pregnant, I needed help]… the rest wanted me to leave my mother’s house… by the time I gave birth, I had already seriously pondered over that. When I was in the hospital, my mother told me, this is how you’ve paid back your dad[He died before she gave birth]… She was adding more pain,” said Makula, adding that this prompted her to hunt for a job.
After getting the job at The Pyramids Casino and Restaurant in Kampala, where she waited tables, she lied to her mother because the reputation of casino workers at the time wasn’t good.
“I didn’t want to be a burden to my mom and to my family, so I just got a job… I went and worked in a casino. When I got a job at a casino, I deceived my mom that I work at Sheraton [Hotel] because at the time everyone who worked at a casino was perceived as a prostitute,” she said.
“I wanted to show them that I will feed my son even without their support… I just told them all I need from you is shelter… The rest I will manage.”
The reaction from Makula’s family was quite expected, considering she has said that her mother, Emeldah Kisembo, who gave birth to her when she was aged 50 used to be a nun.
Her mother was raised by Serapio Bwemi Magambo, who served as the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal, from November 16, 1972, until his resignation on 17 June 1991. Bishop Magambo was Emeldah Kisembo’s paternal uncle.
