By Asenath Were
With the number of pregnancies and maternal deaths among women in Uganda, it is nearly impossible to solve such problems without the assistance of initiatives such as “Save the Mothers Program.”
This is made possible by great and determined leaders who promote safe motherhood not only in the community surrounding the university, but also across the country.
Save the Mothers’ Executive Director Miriam Mutabaazi handed over her directorship role to now Interim Executive Director Edward Mukooza on February 7 at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Florence Mirembe Hall.
Miriam Mutabaazi, the outgoing executive director for Save the Mothers, applauded UCU for both the administrative and financial support rendered to her and the Save the Mothers initiative throughout her leadership.
“I want to appreciate UCU as a partner for hosting us and supporting us. I am very grateful for the support I have been getting from UCU, both administratively and in financial and academic matters. It has been a learning curve, and I am very grateful for that.” She said.
Mukooza was given a warm welcome to the board and encouraged, basing his actions on Joshua 1:7, to stay strong and courageous in preparation of the task that lies ahead.
“The Lord spoke to Joshua and said, “Be courageous; be strong for the task that is ahead of you.” In a warm welcome to the incoming Interim Executive Director for Save the Mothers, said Josephine, the day’s preacher.
In order to applaud the outgoing executive director, Sylvia Namabidde Sinabulya, the interim chairperson, said that when given a responsibility, one should make sure to hand it over without it collapsing on them, which is what Mutabaazi has done.
Namabidde also urged Mukooza to practice good governance because it is critical, and she expected him to serve as an oversight figure during his tenure at Save the Mothers.
“Good governance is very key and you are to ensure that you work with the board; you do not want to come and sit in your office, but you are to play an oversight role.” Namabidde said
John Kitayimbwa, the DVC for Academic Affairs, called upon Mukooza to ensure that during his time of leadership, he does that which the Lord has sent him to do.
“Everyone is appointed for a specific task and time.” As a result, make certain that you do what the Lord has assigned you to do during your time.”He said.
Mukooza said he feels honored for the position he has been given as the interim executive director, and according to him, he is confident that within a period of six to eight months, there will be someone substantive rather than interim.
“I am very confident that between six and eight months, there should be somebody substantive rather than interim, and that is perhaps my main responsibility.” He said.
Save The Mothers started operating at UCU in 2004 to-date. It strives for the wellness of others in the country. The program has spread its wings across the country through hospitals managed by the government and privately owned health centers.
