Story By Jimmy Siyasa, Photos by Andrew Bugembe
In the heart of Northern and Eastern Uganda, Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Save the Mothers East Africa (STMEA) program is delivering profound change. 

As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations in April 2025, STMEA launched transformative healthcare initiatives, including a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Amai Community Hospital in Amolatar District and a Labour Ward High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Tororo General Hospital. 

These milestones are possible through the generosity of various donors, notably Diane Reader Jones, who designated some initiatives in honor of her mother, the late Leila Reader. 

The NICU at Amai Community Hospital, launched on April 15, 2025, is a ray of hope for Amolatar, Kaberamaido and Dokolo Districts, which are on the peninsula of Lake Kyoga. Serving a District where some mothers reportedly walk over four miles for antenatal care, maternity cases are frequently referred to this poorly equipped hospital. Now, with the HDUs, their capacity has been boosted to care for up to 10 preterm babies per day and those with complications. 

Dr. Mushin Nsubuga, STMEA Executive Director, emphasized the units’ significance, noting that upon setting them up, STMEA supports these health facilities through “in-service staff training of health workers on matters of safety, professional management of mothers in delivery units.” He urged health workers to maintain the equipment and called on the clergy under the Church of Uganda within the Lango sub-region, headed by Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, to advocate for facility-based deliveries. Olwa is the Bishop of Lango Diocese and chair of the UCU governing council.. 

Reflecting on his own beginning, Bishop Olwa testified about the “privilege” he had, being born in a hospital. Many of his contemporaries for reasons such as poverty and lack of access to medical care were born at home or in dire circumstances; and some tragically passed away. 

“The people of Amai are so blessed to have that hospital because then lives are saved,” said Olwa. “The new expanded antenatal facility means our children are going to be born in a wonderful environment, with professional support. There is no reason why people should die from childbirth because now the facilities, professionals and knowledge is accessible.”

STMEA is committed to comprehensive training for NICU staff, ensuring long-term impact. According to Dr Mushin, STMEA has so far set up seven HDUS at various Uganda health facilities, three NICUs and up to 15 “mother-baby-friendly” facilities. With more support, they hope to establish more because the need remains dire.

On April 16, 2025, STMEA, alongside Tororo District Officials, celebrated the launch of the Labour Ward HDU at Tororo General Hospital. This unit is already reducing maternal and child mortality in the region. Patricia Cheptoek, Midwife and In-Charge Maternity, shared her optimism.

“Having this unit in place is making our work of service delivery easier,” she said. “We pledge our best in ensuring it is put into proper use.”

Tororo’s District Health Officer, Dr. Stella Owere, a UCU alumna, joined officials in expressing gratitude for STMEA’s support. They pledged to maintain and enhance the HDU, ensuring its sustainability. 

Face lit with joy and pride, Dr. Jean Chamberlain-Froese, Canadian founder of the STMEA, is thrilled by STMEA’s progress over the last 20 years, ensuring “No baby or mother dies” as their mantra says. 

“It has been so exciting how the mother-baby-friendly hospitals through the Save the Mothers program have been established,” said Dr. Chamberlain-Froese.  “We saw a mother receive a blood transfusion and another with high blood pressure being cared for and their lives saved.”

STMEA’s work extends beyond establishing infrastructure. During the launches, Dr. Chamberlain-Froese and Dianne Jones, a Canadian donor, brought joy to mothers in both hospitals by distributing gift packs for new-borns.

For 20 years, STMEA has championed maternal and child health, driven by its founders, alumni and donors. Through the UCU Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Master of Public Health Leadership program, alone, they have trained over 500 leaders spread across the world to advance maternal and other public health causes. The NICU and HDU are but only a few of the many interventions being rolled out in service of thousands in hard-to-reach Uganda communities, equipping health facilities to serve thousands. 

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To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners

Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org. 

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