I have been privileged to have many prestigious titles during my life, but two of the most precious are that of mother and Ugandan.
Ugandan mothers are strong, devoted to their families and our culture, and they fiercely protect the ones they love. I’m proud when I think of our nation, and of the women who live here. But I’m troubled, at times, when I consider our future.
Many so-called experts think they know our country, our people, and our needs. They’re eager to meet our needs on their terms, in their ways. But one question I always want to ask them is, how much time have you spent in a Ugandan village? How much do you understand our culture and our way of life? Do you even want to?
There has been much talk as of late about colonialism in international humanitarian circles. Given that Uganda and nations throughout Africa have a history of being denied our God-given rights by other nations, I pay close attention to the conversation. While more subtle, today, other nations practice an ideological form of colonialism with programs and money focusing on their priorities rather than our needs.
Sadly, that means the values and traditions of Africans are secondary to the goals of other nations. Africa longs to be Africa. We treasure children. We rejoice in our faith. We know our land. We love our families. We celebrate our tribes and traditions. Why is our way of life not respected and supported?
Respect for indigenous people groups has been vigorously promoted in the past decade. Universities, governments, and international organizations have acknowledged and apologized for past intrusions.
If respect for the original inhabitants of a land is in fact a value of Western ideology, I find it difficult to see why the United Nations, the World Health Organization, or any large international organization would be offended when Africa seeks to protect its greatest natural asset—our people—and especially our future generations.
We know that when we strengthen our families, protect those born and yet to be born, and expand health and opportunities for our women, girls, men, and boys, we will prosper.
Uganda and all of Africa are grateful for decades of partnership and generosity from others to reduce diseases and preventable health conditions, such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and maternal mortality. Millions of people are alive today because of these compassionate programs, and our health systems are stronger due to the training and capacity support from international partners.
However, Africa is in a new place now. We need resilient health systems that treat our people, not simply their diseases or conditions. Yes, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and maternal mortality remain challenges, but we need models of integrated care.
It is time to recognize the importance of holistic care that sees each African not as a case of malaria, or an “under five mortality,” but as a person who has physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. We want our people to enjoy optimal health, which comes when human dignity is respected from conception to the end of life, and supported through all aspects of our families, villages, religions, and nations.
Africa welcomes information, direction, and even money to support our well-being, but we respectfully request that our values and traditions be honored.
We have made so much progress in the past decades to create a healthier Uganda, and we want to work with international partners to continue that good work here and throughout the world.
However, I ask that our culture be honored, as together, we work hand-in-hand to create a healthier future for our women and families. I want a brighter future for each Ugandan. I say this as our nation’s First Lady, as Minister of Education, as a dedicated mother and wife, and as a proud Ugandan. Until my last breath, I will continue to work toward this goal, for God and my country!
