Save the Mothers East Africa (STMEA) on 13 October 2023 was honored to be part of the 24th Uganda Christian University graduation ceremony where five Master in Public Health Leadership (MPHL) students graduated. Congratulations MPHL graduates: Jude Onwueme Chekwuemeka (Nigeria), John Thon Riak (South Sudan), Alwong Rose (South Sudan), Taban Geofrey (South Sudan) & Nimusiima Anita (Uganda). These game-changers empowered to serve as safe motherhood pillar people in their respective spheres of influence to improve Maternal Child Health.
Remarks from Dr Edward Mukooza
Addressing the graduates, Dr Edward Mukooza, STMEA interim Executive Director and Head of Department Public Health urged the graduate to share the
MPHL news to their networks and work as Save the Mothers ambassadors to promote the program. “Talk about STM out there and the value of the MPHL.” Dr Mukooza reminded the graduates the intention of MPHL which is to contribute to the well being of mothers. “Each of you can contribute in your own way, in your own professionals to contribute to reducing at least one of the 3 delays like the delay at home so that the mothers around you can be healthier.” In a special way Dr Mukooza invited the South Sudan graduates to promote safemotherhood since it has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. “We are relying on you to make a contribution. At least start with your spouse and family members to improve the wellbeing of mothers. Keep in touch with Save the Mothers.” Noting that studying as adult is not easy, Dr Mukooza congratulated the graduates and said: “Now you have a bundle of joy, enjoy it and practice what you have learnt and make the world a better place. Dr Mukooza also thanked the families of the graduates for their support. He also thanked STM faculty and staff members for their contribution.
Remarks from graduates
In their remarks, MPHL graduates thanked STMEA and appreciated the uniqueness of the MPHL program.
John Thon from South Sudan: The MPHL is a unique program. With the cooperation of the faculty and the vision of the faculty, we managed even through the difficult Covid-19 times. Our children and mothers are disadvantaged. It is our role to communicate about the need and cause change.
Anita Ninsiima - Uganda: The first day I wanted to quit. When Covid-19 I almost lost morale. My mum supported me. My supervisor, Dr Pius Okong, and also Rev Evatt kept on encouraging me. I thank my classmates. I hope to use the MPHL skills to save lives.
Taban Geofrey – South Sudan: I thank my supervisor who supported me. It was not easy. We used to come for intensive lecturers and exams. The
pandemic complicated things and we didn't know the way forward. But today, we graduate. Dr Mukooza supported me as my supervisor. He ensured that I wrote good research. We shall work as change makers and champions to save mothers.
Rose Alwong South Sudan: STM is one of the unique courses that uses multisectoral approach to save the lives of mothers. S-Sudan maternal mortality is very high. We have already started working using skills gained on the program. I gained leadership skills through Dr Mukooza. In my work, I reflect always Dr Mukooza's lecturers reflected and coming in handy at my work. I thank Prof Mirembe Florence my supervisor for supporting me to this stage. I also thank Josephine Namyalo the academics coordinator. God bless STM. I started my advanced education journey with a diploma in clinical medicine, a degree in public health and now am graduating with an MPHL.
Jude Chukwuemeka Onwueme, Nigeria: I am the happiest person. Biochemistry degree. I was welcomed at Save the Mothers (STM) warmly and this made me camp here. The lectures were marathon but I thank God for the grace to complete. I am entirely grateful to STM for the support towards my tuition. Jude said that he appreciates the MPHL program that has field visits which enable students to appreciate theory through practical learning. Jude also appreciated the setup of Save the Mothers, Mirembe hall. During the onsite physical lectures, Jude said that sometimes at 10.00 pm he would be in class until 1.00 am. “It was easy to move from my room upstairs to classes downstairs. The lectures during Covid-19 helped me know the power of UCU and STM to
handle the online lectures. I had my Viva online.” Jude thanked the MPHL faculty for their support. In all this, if not God none of us would have been here today.”
Jude’s first degree is in biochemistry. He currently serves as a missionary among youths and students under the auspices of *Rebuilding LifeSprings Ministries* ( in partnership with Rescue Missions International, Uganda) whose vision is to renew the minds of adolescents and youths and empower them with living hope and offer counselling in the area of reproductive health. Jude is a counsellor.
Jude said that the MPHL program is unique and target- oriented. “Personally, I am endeared to Save the Mothers MPHL program because I am one whose mother died while Iwas a year and 10 months. She died at a very young age of 27, the death attributable to one or more of the three delays. Thus, my passion to stem the tide of such preventable deaths, is predicated on that sad event. Though MPHL as a course involves numerous aspects of the life of mothers, its specific contents are strategic and relevant in attending to the ever-present needs of mothers and newborns.
Apart from class field visits, I suggest that *where possible and applicable* students should spend more days in field in order to have a deeper touch and involvement with the prevailing challenge at the institution visited.