By Yasiri J. Kasango
Victoria Nantambi has defied the odds and graduated from Uganda Christian University with a 4.72 CGPA, first-class honours in Nursing Science. Initially unaware of the university’s grading system, it wasn’t until her third year that she began her determined pursuit of academic excellence. With unwavering support from her classmate Sister Namirembe Proscovia and guidance from lecturers, Victoria’s hard work and faith have led her to this outstanding accomplishment.
“To me it’s not just a first class of 4.72, it is a clear indication that God has been in every detail of my life and academic journey. God has used different parties to take care of every other detail of my life and he has enabled me achieve this. It really means God is faithful,” Nantambi says.
Nantambi credits her scholastic achievement to the encouragement of her classmates, particularly Namirembe, a midwife who was already working. “Namirembe helped me understand concepts on a deeper level and was always available for discussions,” Nantambi recalls. Namirembe, she says, was already established in the medical field since she has qualifications as a midwife.
Describing why she chose to do nursing, Nantambi says when she was eleven years old, she witnessed one tragic evening as one of her guardians fell very ill and became determined to become a nurse. She would never forget the moment that changed her life. That evening, one of her “mothers,” Pauline Bageya, was taken to the hospital. Nantambi, who recalls being part of the crew that transported Bageya to the hospital, says her mother was unconscious when she was being taken to KC Hospital. She speaks of that evening as though it were only yesterday.
“I saw how my mother got a pressure attack, but the state she was in was very bad. I kept wondering if she would come back to life,” she says. Even as she was worried, she noticed and admired the nurses’ dedication and hard work as they struggled to stabilise her guardian. This experience became a pivotal point in her life, steering her toward a career in healthcare.
Nantambi had aspirations of being a teacher when she was younger. But the terrifying ordeal of her guardian’s illness altered her path in life. Nantambi lost both her parents at a young age, her father when she was still a baby, and her mother when she was nine years old. Cissy Nalyazi, her grandmother, raised her and covered her school expenses after her mother passed away.
Life took a turn for the better when a social worker from Watoto Child Care Ministries approached her grandmother, seeking children in need of help. Nalyazi informed the social worker that she had two grandchildren, including Nantambi. It was when she was in primary one, that she and her sibling were taken in by Watoto.
“Watoto became my family. I never lacked anything, and I bonded so well with my new ‘mother’ on a personal level,” said Nantambi. The care and support she received from Watoto and her guardian reinforced her desire to help others, especially the sick. “I have always had a heart to help, especially the sick. You are helpless once you are sick,” she comments.
After completing her Advanced Level exams, Nantambi applied to study Medicine and Surgery as her first choice and Nursing Science as her second. Her passion for healthcare was unwavering. “I wanted anything health-related because it was always my dream,” she explained.
She was given the choice to do nursing science which she took on. Despite taking on leadership roles at the university, she remained committed to academic excellence. “I needed to manage my time well. When I was in leadership, I would sleep for four to five hours. I committed some of my time to leadership matters and cut back on sleep hours so that I could study books,” she explained.
Nantambi’s journey to becoming a nurse was fraught with challenges, but her determination and resilience saw her through. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of adversity and the impact of supportive communities. The memory of her guardian’s illness served as a constant reminder of why she chose this path and fuelled her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
At Watoto, Nantambi found more than just a home; she found a community that nurtured her potential and encouraged her aspirations. The support she received from Watoto was instrumental in her academic success and personal growth. “Watoto provided me with everything I needed, and the love and care I received made me feel valued and motivated to give back to society,” she said.
Nantambi’s story highlights the importance of accessible and quality healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations. Her journey underscores the critical role of nurses and healthcare professionals in saving lives and providing comfort to those in need. As a nurse, Nantambi is committed to upholding the values of compassion, dedication, and excellence that inspired her career choice.
Her experience demonstrates the value of mentorship and support structures in reaching one’s goals. Nantambi says she received crucial career guidance from her teacher, Geoffrey Kamakya, as well as regular encouragement from her grandmother Cissy Nalyazi and Watoto staff like her “mother” Stella Aarakit. This communal support helped her and her achievements today are due to the combined efforts of people who believed in her abilities and supported her goals.
Looking ahead, Nantambi is eager to continue her journey in healthcare, with aspirations to further her studies and specialise in a field that will allow her to make an even greater impact. She is passionate about improving healthcare access and quality in Uganda, particularly for underserved communities.
“I want to use my skills and knowledge to help those who are often overlooked and ensure they receive the care they deserve,” she says. Her dedication to healthcare extends beyond her professional ambitions; it is a deeply personal mission driven by her experiences and the desire to honour the memory of her guardians.
In her role as a nurse, Nantambi aims to inspire and mentor others, particularly young girls who may face similar challenges. She hopes her story will encourage them to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem. “I want to be a role model and show them that with determination, resilience, and the right support, they can achieve anything,” she states firmly.
