A Champion for Women’s Health: Hon. Amelia Kyambadde’s Inspiring Visit to Ernest Cook Universityproject
On September 12th, 2024, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde, a former Member of Parliament, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry to the President of Uganda and a prominent advocate for women’s health, visited Ernest Cook University project. Known for her work in empowering women, Hon.Kyambadde’s visit was an opportunity to highlight the university’s efforts in community health particularly for women.
Honorable Amelia Kyambade (Right) during a meeting with ECU staff led be Professor Micheal Kawooya(left)
As her visit came to a close, Hon. Kyambadde left the university with words of encouragement and hope. “Your work is transformative, and it’s making a real difference in the lives of women and families. I am proud to support these efforts and look forward to seeing the continued growth and impact of this university,” she concluded.
Her visit reaffirmed the importance of accessible healthcare and entrepreneurship in community development, inspiring the university to continue its work in empowering individuals to become change agents in their communities.
During a meeting with the university leadership, Hon. Kyambadde expressed her deep appreciation for Ernest Cook University project led by Professor Kawooya’s work in providing high-quality ultrasound services to expectant mothers at Muduuma Health Center IV and Mpigi Health Center IV. “Professor Kawooya’s dedication to ensuring that women in local communities have access to critical ultrasound services is truly commendable,” she said. The availability of these services has significantly improved maternal health outcomes in the region.
Kyambadde pointed out the remarkable impact of these services on safe deliveries, noting, “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of women delivering in health facilities, and this has led to a decline in home births, which are often risky for both mother and child.” She further emphasized that these interventions have led to a positive cultural shift in male involvement in maternal health. “More men are now accompanying their wives to antenatal visits and being actively involved in the pregnancy process, which is vital for supporting women and ensuring better family outcomes.”
Following the meeting, Hon. Kyambadde toured the University’s Skilling and Continuous Learning Centre, a key initiative aimed at empowering trainers of trainers (TOTs) to pass on entrepreneurial skills and a transformed mindset to students and communities. The center focuses on more than just technical skills—it fosters a mindset of innovation and problem-solving.
A visit to the skilling and continuous learning center–the gel and hand-washing production unit
“The work being done here is about much more than education; it’s about creating a generation of leaders who are equipped to make meaningful changes in their communities,” Kyambadde remarked during her tour of the center. She praised the university’s holistic approach to learning, which integrates practical skills with a strong focus on community development.
Reflecting on the university’s broader impact, Kyambadde commented, “Ernest Cook University is playing a crucial role in shaping Uganda’s future. By focusing on healthcare and entrepreneurship, they are helping communities break cycles of poverty and dependency, creating a more self-sufficient and empowered society.”
Figure 1: Honourable Kyambadde shares a kodac moment with the ECU staff
As her visit came to a close, Hon. Kyambadde left the university with words of encouragement and hope. “Your work is transformative, and it’s making a real difference in the lives of women and families. I am proud to support these efforts and look forward to seeing the continued growth and impact of this university,” she concluded.
Her visit reaffirmed the importance of accessible healthcare and entrepreneurship in community development, inspiring the university to continue its work in empowering individuals to become change agents in their communities.