Khatun Makani was born in Uganda and lived there until she was expelled in 1972. She and her family were forced to leave their home and possessions with only a few belongings. They arrived in the UK with little money and were housed in a refugee camp.

Khatun Makani and her brother found work in the camp, and they were eventually able to move into a house in Birmingham. However, her mother became ill and could not cope with the cold weather, so they moved to Cardiff.

Khatun Makani married a deaf man, and they had two children. She learned to communicate with her husband through sign language and lip reading. They were very active in the Ismaili community and helped to establish a Jamatkhana in their home.