NGLP alumna, Sister Evelyn Nanchoka is a beacon of hope in Makondo, Uganda, where she has dedicated her life to providing high-quality healthcare to the local community. Her journey began in 1999 when she joined religious life, and after further education in Zambia, she returned to work in a clinic, identifying a critical need for maternity services. Mothers were often forced to sleep on the floor while waiting for care, a situation that deeply moved Sister Nanchoka. She initiated a project to construct a maternity ward, significantly improving conditions for expectant mothers.

Sister Nanchoka’s commitment to healthcare is reflective of broader challenges in Uganda, where despite significant investments and reforms, healthcare remains poor for many. As noted in a study on healthcare aspirations in Uganda, “health-care workers and seekers valued technical, interpersonal and resource qualities in their aspirations for health care. However, such qualities were frequently not enacted, and our analysis suggests that meeting aspirations required social and financial resources to negotiate various power structures”. This highlights the need for initiatives like Sister Nanchoka’s, which focus on improving access and quality of care.

In Uganda, the healthcare system is decentralized, with services overseen by district health teams across 112 districts. However, the country faces significant challenges, including a scarcity of trained medical personnel. The role of Clinical Officers (COs) has been crucial in addressing this gap, particularly in rural areas. COs are involved in delivering primary healthcare and have extended their roles to include surgical and obstetric procedures. As one study noted, “The Clinical Officer, along with other allied healthcare professionals, provides a pivotal role in the delivery of primary healthcare”.

Sister Nanchoka’s leadership has led to several key improvements in healthcare delivery. She has expanded maternity services, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for deliveries. Recognizing that some mothers could not afford the fees, she ensured that those from far away received care regardless of their ability to pay. Her team also introduced HIV testing and treatment services, addressing a critical need in the community. They go the extra mile, visiting the homes of those who are reluctant to come to the clinic, ensuring they receive the medication they need.

As Sister Nanchoka once noted, her unique quality is that “she likes patients, she puts herself and the best first needs the patient should be worked on very quickly.” This dedication and patient-centered approach have earned her the respect and gratitude of the community. Despite the challenges, Sister Nanchoka remains grateful for the opportunities she has received, particularly the Next Generation Leadership Programme, which has allowed her to further her education and expand her vision of providing life-changing healthcare.

The Next Generation Leadership Programme (NGLP) has had a profound impact on Sister Nanchoka’s life, equipping her with the leadership skills and values necessary to transform her community. Through NGLP, she has been able to develop a strong sense of servant leadership, which emphasizes putting the needs of others first. This approach has been instrumental in her ability to rally support from the community and ensure the sustainability of her healthcare initiatives. The programme’s focus on spiritual development and mentorship has also deepened her commitment to serving with compassion and integrity. As she continues to inspire and lead, Sister Nanchoka embodies the NGLP’s mission to nurture leaders who make meaningful contributions to society, reflecting the values of empathy, resilience, and dedication that are at the heart of her work.

In the context of Uganda’s broader healthcare challenges, Sister Nanchoka’s work exemplifies the power of compassionate leadership in transforming communities. As a study on supporting health systems in Uganda emphasized, “The need for action is urgent, and collaborative efforts are required to address the systemic challenges facing Uganda’s healthcare sector”. Sister Nanchoka’s initiatives demonstrate that even in the face of adversity, dedicated individuals can make a significant difference by providing accessible and high-quality healthcare to those who need it most.