A family at last - Sweetny returns

Today, Friday 29 January 2010, Marjorie Nshemere-Ojule was finally reunited with her daughter Sweetny after 8 years of separation. The last time Marjorie saw Sweetny was in 2001 when she fled Uganda. Sweetny was just 4 years old.

Marjorie has fought a long hard battle with the Home Office to be reunited with Sweetny who has been living alone at a boarding school without family or a guardian. It has not been easy for her. 

Arriving at 6.45am at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5, Sweetny was met by Marjorie, half-sister Sasha and a large number of supporters and friends. As Sweetny came through the arrivals gate she was greeted by a stampede led by Marjorie and immediately engulfed in her mother's arms.

Marjorie stood hugging Sweetny tight, oblivious to the many cameras, including Al Jazeera. It was a highly emotional moment. Speaking moments after being reunited, Marjorie said simply 'We are a family at last'.  

Sweetny, who turned 12 on Christmas Eve, was accompanied on the 9 hour flight from Entebbe Airport by Leanne Savill and Yoni Bentovim. 

Marjorie would like to thank all her supporters at The Testimony Project for rallying round and for so generously funding Sweetny's flight home. Over £1000 was raised following the campaign in November. Any funds remaining after purchase of the plane ticket will be used to buy Sweetny essentials including winter clothes and school uniform. 

You can read more about Marjorie's story on The Testimony Project website.