ISSUE 10 VOL 2 NMLTT-AUGUST 2026

NMLTT NEWSLETTER

Issue 10| Volume 2 | August 2026

Building a New Generation of Empowered Nurse and Midwifery Leaders.

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2 CONTENTS: NURSES AND MIDWIVES LEADERS THINK TANK NEWSLETTER

PAGE 02: Editor's Note PAGE 04: Nurses 360 Club: Building a New Generation of Empowered Nurses and Midwives

by Lubega Martin PAGE 10: Uganda Journal of Nursing & Midwifery: A New Era for Nursing & Midwifery Research in Uganda and Beyond by Lubega and Okiror, UJNM PAGE 15: Transforming Access and Care: Our Nurses, Our Future by Lilian Nuwabaine Luyima, Midwife PAGE 17: The Power of One: A Midwife Who Refused to Give Up by Elekat Sarah, Midwife PAGE 19: Unplugging to Stay Well: Digital Wellness for Nurses and Midwives by Judith Kiconco, RN PAGE 21: One More Midwife Could Have Saved Them. By Lilian Nuwabaine Luyima, Midwife PAGE 23: A Letter to My Fellow Nurses and Midwives by Elekat Sarah, Midwife PAGE 25: Empowered to save lives: a landmark triumph for Uganda's Nurses and Midwives in Uganda…Dan Muramuzi, AGNMU

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2 A MESSAGE FROM PROF ROSE CLARKE NANYONGA, CHIEF EDITOR Dear readers, This edition of the NMLTT Newsletter brings together stories that capture an important moment for nursing and midwifery in Uganda, one defined by professional growth, knowledge generation, leadership, resilience, advocacy, and well-being.

Our feature on the Nurses 360 Club: Building a New Generation of Empowered Nurses and Midwives speaks to an ambitious vision for the profession. Through institutional clubs, mentorship, continuous professional and personal development, stronger professional networks, innovation, and financial literacy, Nurses 360 seeks to prepare nurses and midwives who are adaptable, employable, and confident enough to participate actively in leadership, advocacy, and community transformation.

That future orientation is reflected in Our Nurses, Our Future, which reminds us that strengthening health systems ultimately depends on investing in the people who provide care. The nurses and midwives we educate, mentor, support, and retain today will shape the quality and resilience of healthcare tomorrow.

This edition also celebrates significant advances in nursing and midwifery

scholarship. For example, the launch of the Uganda Journal of Nursing and Midwifery (UJNM), established by the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, marks a historic milestone in strengthening evidence-based practice and increasing the visibility of locally generated research. Alongside this milestone, we want to encourage leaders to take action to create conditions that enable nurses and midwives to actively pursue clinical academic careers. We know that research requires more than encouragement. A nurse who completes a demanding clinical shift cannot continually be expected to become a researcher after hours, without protected time, mentorship, research funding, access to data, or institutional support. Small institutional research grants, writing support, statistical support, and protected

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3 research time should become part of our investment in the profession. With this journal, nurses and midwives have an opportunity, but as leaders, we cannot demand research productivity without creating the conditions that make research possible. These institutional commitments would go a long way toward ensuring that nursing and midwifery scholars and practitioners fully utilize the opportunities offered by the journal.

Complementary to the launch of the UJNM is the feature on: Empowered to Save Lives: A Landmark Triumph for Uganda's Nurses and Midwives, which reflects on the first-ever AGNMU National Nurses and Midwives Scientific Conference, a significant platform for sharing evidence, advancing professional dialogue, and demonstrating that nurses and midwives are not only users of knowledge, but also producers of knowledge.

Yet the profession's power also lies in individual action. The Power of One: A Midwife Who Refused to Give Up and One Midwife Could Have Saved Them confronts us with the profound difference that one competent, courageous, and responsive professional can make. They remind us that behind every statistic is a patient, a family, and an opportunity to

intervene. Clinical vigilance, advocacy, and timely action matter.

As we celebrate professional excellence, we must also acknowledge the demands of modern practice. Our feature on unplugging to stay well reminds us that constant connectivity can quietly erode our physical, emotional, and relational well-being. Sustainable service requires boundaries, rest, and intentional renewal.

Taken together, these stories speak to the power of one and the power of the profession.

Our future will be shaped by empowered practitioners, strong mentorship, locally generated evidence, scientific engagement, courageous leadership, and healthy professionals.

And this would not be complete if we don’t take a moment to mourn the loss of the beloved King of Tooro. May his Majesty Rest in Eternal Peace.

We are grateful to all the authors who dedicate valuable time to this newsletter. As you read this edition, I invite you to reflect: What role will you play in shaping the future of nursing and midwifery?

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4 NURSES 360 CLUB: BUILDING A NEW GENERATION OF EMPOWERED NURSES AND MIDWIVES Author: Lubega Martin – Coordinator, Nurses 360 Club Mentorship Program The nursing and midwifery professions are rapidly evolving, and today’s healthcare environment demands far more than clinical competence alone. Modern nurses and midwives must navigate leadership responsibilities, entrepreneurial opportunities, digital transformation, professional networking, personal branding, financial management, and social adaptability in an increasingly dynamic and competitive job market. Against this backdrop, the Nurses 360 Club was founded with a bold, transformative vision: to create a vibrant community where nurses and midwives learn beyond routine clinical skills and are empowered to grow personally, professionally, socially, and economically.

The Nurses 360 Club seeks to nurture a generation of healthcare professionals who are not only clinically competent but also resilient, innovative, confident, socially responsible, and future-ready. Through mentorship, networking, leadership exposure, and practical life-skills training, the initiative equips young nurses and midwives with the tools to survive and thrive in an ever-changing healthcare and employment landscape. At its core, the Club believes that nursing and midwifery professionals possess immense untapped potential that extends far beyond bedside care. The initiative aspires to build a supportive ecosystem where nurses and midwives can discover their talents, pursue leadership opportunities, embrace entrepreneurship, and become transformational agents in their communities.

The long-term aspirations of the Nurses 360 Club include building a nationwide mentorship network for young nurses and midwives through institutional clubs, creating platforms for continuous professional and personal development, enhancing employability and adaptability among healthcare professionals, promoting innovation and financial literacy, strengthening NMLTT VOL.2 10

5 social and professional networks within the healthcare fraternity, and inspiring nurses and midwives to actively participate in leadership, advocacy, and community transformation. Ultimately, the Club envisions a future where nurses and midwives are empowered not only to care for patients, but also to influence systems, communities, and national development.

The recently concluded 12-week Nurses 360 Mentorship Course marked a major milestone in realizing this vision.

The first cohort attracted overwhelming interest from young nurses and midwives across the country, with 125 applicants expressing interest in joining the program. However, because of the rigorous mentorship journey and the high standards for participation and engagement, only 29 participants completed the course. This remarkable achievement reflected not only the commitment and resilience of the graduates, but also the intensity and transformative nature of the mentorship experience.

The mentorship program covered critical areas, including Personal Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Work Preparedness, Personal Branding, Self-Leadership, Social and Professional Networking, and Digital Skills. These modules were designed to bridge the gap between academic training and the real-world challenges healthcare professionals face. Participants gained practical skills to become financially aware, professionally visible, socially connected, digitally competent, emotionally resilient, and better

prepared for the realities of the modern healthcare environment.

One of the most remarkable achievements of the first cohort was that the entire mentorship program was offered completely free of charge to participants. This reflected the Club’s commitment to inclusivity and its desire to ensure that transformative mentorship opportunities remain accessible to young nurses and midwives regardless of their financial background. The initiative was implemented in partnership with Spark Nurses Hub, an accredited Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC) Continuing Professional Development provider, whose support has been instrumental in ensuring that nurses and midwives receive relevant, practical, and accredited professional empowerment opportunities beyond conventional clinical training.

The graduation ceremony for the pioneer cohort was both historic and deeply inspiring. Held at Clarke International University, the event celebrated not only academic completion but also personal transformation, mentorship, resilience, NMLTT VOL.2 10

6 leadership, and hope for the future of nursing and midwifery in Uganda. We were deeply honored to host Hajati Hon. Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs and Member of

Parliament for Kampala Central, as the Guest of Honor. Given her professional background as a nurse-midwife, her presence carried profound significance and inspiration for the graduates.

In her address, Hon. Kabanda shared a deeply moving account of her journey from nursing into politics and national leadership.

She revealed that her transition into public leadership was inspired by her diligent service at Mengo Doctors Clinic, a small private clinic she established in Kisenyi many years ago. During a cholera outbreak in the Kisenyi slum, she courageously stepped forward to coordinate community care, mobilize support from community-based organizations, advocate for government intervention, and stand with vulnerable families during a difficult public health crisis. Through her compassion, visibility, and unwavering commitment to the people, she earned the community's trust and admiration. Eventually, residents encouraged her to contest for local government leadership, a journey that later propelled her into national leadership and ministerial service.

Listening to her story, especially on Heroes’ Day, was both humbling and inspiring.

Hon. Kabanda reminded the graduates that nursing is not merely a profession but a platform for leadership, service, advocacy, and social transformation. She challenged the young nurses and midwives to pursue excellence, embrace resilience, and rise as compassionate leaders and change-makers in their communities. Drawing on her experience founding Mengo Doctors Clinic in Kisenyi without sophisticated equipment or resources, she showed that humble beginnings can become the foundation for extraordinary personal and professional success. Her message strongly resonated with the Nurses 360 Club’s

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7 vision: empowering healthcare professionals to unlock their fullest potential beyond traditional boundaries.

The success of the Nurses 360 Mentorship Program would not have been possible without the dedication, expertise, and selfless commitment of the course facilitators who invested their time and knowledge in mentoring the first cohort.

Special appreciation goes to Dr. Odokonyero Raymond, a Psychiatrist at Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Personal Financial Literacy Coach, whose mentorship guided participants in mental wellness, financial discipline, and personal growth; Nalujja Joselyne, a Midwife at Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital, who inspired participants through professional mentorship and career guidance; and Jannipher Nambalirwa, a Nurse and Director of Home-Nurse Uganda, who empowered participants with insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, and alternative opportunities within nursing practice.

Their collective contributions helped create an enriching learning environment that nurtured confidence, inspiration, resilience, and transformation among participants.

Looking ahead, the Nurses 360 Club aims to expand mentorship opportunities to reach more nurses and midwives across Uganda and beyond. Future plans include NMLTT VOL.2 10

8 scaling up mentorship cohorts nationally, establishing stronger professional networking platforms, introducing innovation and entrepreneurship incubation initiatives, organizing leadership and career development conferences, strengthening collaborations with healthcare institutions and development partners, and creating digital learning and mentorship platforms to improve accessibility and impact.

The future of nursing and midwifery lies in professionals who are adaptable, visionary, compassionate, entrepreneurial, and socially empowered. Nurses 360 Club remains committed to building exactly that generation. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, initiatives such as Nurses 360 Club demonstrate that mentorship, empowerment, and community building are no longer optional; they are essential for preparing nurses and midwives for the future.

Indeed, the journey has only just begun.

“Nursing is not merely a profession but a platform for leadership, service, advocacy, and social transformation…Young nurses and midwives should pursue excellence, embrace resilience, and rise as compassionate leaders and change-makers in their communities.” Hon Minsa Kabanda. Nurse. Leader. Politician.

Servant of the People.

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9 CONDOLENCE MESSAGE ON THE DEMISE OF HIS ROYAL MAJESTY KING OYO NYIMBA KABAMBA IGURU RUKIDI IV

The Royal Family of Tooro The Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa The Prime Minister and Cabinet of Tooro Kingdom The People of Tooro Kingdom It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that the Nurses and Midwives Leaders Think Tank received the devastating news of the passing of His Royal Majesty, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. On behalf of the leadership, nurses, midwives, and health professionals across Uganda, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the beloved people of Tooro Kingdom, and Uganda at large during this period of immense loss.

His Majesty King Oyo will forever be remembered as a transformative and compassionate leader, a champion for health and human well-being, and a people-centered King. His unwavering dedication to public health, particularly his role as a UNAIDS Cultural Champion for HIV/AIDS among young people, significantly bolstered healthcare awareness, destigmatized conditions, and empowered youth across the region to prioritize their health.

As frontline healthcare providers, nurses and midwives witnessed the firsthand positive impact of his advocacy on community health outcomes. His vision, grace, and commitment to youth empowerment, education, and holistic development leave an indelible legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

We pray that the Almighty God grants the Royal Family and the people of Tooro strength, fortitude, and comfort as you mourn this extraordinary Monarch. May the soul of His Royal Majesty Omukama Oyo rest in Eternal Peace.

On behalf of the Leadership & Secretariat Nurses and Midwives Leaders Think Tank and on my ownVOL.2 behalf NMLTT 10 Dr. Safinah K Museene, Chairperson, Nurses and Midwives Leadership Think Tank

10 UGANDA JOURNAL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY: A NEW ERA FOR NURSING AND MIDWIFERY RESEARCH IN UGANDA AND BEYOND.

The launch of the Uganda Journal of Nursing and Midwifery (UJNM) marks a historic milestone for Uganda's nursing and midwifery profession. Established by the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, the journal represents a bold, strategic step toward strengthening evidence-based nursing and midwifery practice and increasing the global visibility of locally generated research to improve patient outcomes.

At a time when healthcare systems are increasingly driven by research, innovation, and data-informed decision-making, UJNM arrives as a timely and transformative platform dedicated to advancing nursing and midwifery science, education, leadership, regulation, policy, and clinical practice.

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11 The journal is a peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly publication that welcomes contributions from nurses, midwives, educators, researchers, policymakers, and healthcare practitioners from Uganda, East Africa, Africa, and across the world.

According to the journal’s mission and scope, UJNM is committed to disseminating high-quality research, evidence-based practices, and innovations that improve healthcare outcomes and patient safety.

Why UJNM Matters For many years, the wealth of nursing and midwifery research, data, and operational experiences generated within the health field has remained scattered across reports, project documents, and unpublished evaluations shelved in offices, yet underrepresented in international literature. Numerous nurses and midwives have generated important findings through academic studies, workplace innovations, quality improvement projects, and community health interventions, yet many have not reached wider audiences.

UJNM seeks to bridge this gap by providing a credible platform to document, publish, and share African voices, experiences, and innovations globally. The journal focuses on strengthening professional standards in education, clinical practice, leadership, regulation, and policy development. It also promotes a culture of inquiry, scholarly writing, and continuous professional development among nurses, midwives, and other health professionals.

Importantly, UJNM is not limited to Uganda alone. The journal welcomes submissions from across Africa and the world, fostering global academic collaboration while ensuring that research from low- and middle-income settings receives the visibility it deserves.

Commitment to Quality and International Standards UJNM operates under internationally recognized academic publishing standards.

The journal follows a blinded peer-review process in which at least two independent reviewers review every submission before publication. The journal also aligns its authorship criteria with the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and scholarly integrity in all published work.

Authors can also be assured of: a. A rigorous and fair peer-review process b. Professional editorial handling c. Ethical publication standards d. Open-access visibility for published articles

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12 e. Timely communication and reduced manuscript turnaround time f. A growing commitment toward intentional indexing and international discoverability

The Registrar, Ms Christine Nimwesiga, and Commissioner Museene at the Launch The Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council has also made a strategic decision to cover publication costs for the time being, reducing financial barriers that often prevent nurses and midwives from publishing their work. This support underscores UNMC’s commitment to advancing evidence-based practice through scholarly writing. As the journal continues to grow, deliberate efforts are underway to strengthen indexing, citation visibility, and international academic recognition, positioning UJNM among reputable nursing and midwifery journals globally.

A Call to Nurses and Midwives: Publish Your Work Every nurse and midwife has a story, innovation, observation, or experience that can improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Whether it is a clinical intervention, educational innovation, leadership experience, policy analysis, or community health initiative, your work matters.

UJNM invites: a. Clinical nurses and midwives NMLTT VOL.2 10

13 b. Nurse educators c. Researchers and academicians d. Students and early-career scholars e. Hospital-based innovators f. Public health practitioners g. Policymakers and managers To submit manuscripts and contribute to building a strong body of African nursing and midwifery evidence. Publishing is no longer reserved for a few elite institutions. UJNM provides an accessible, supportive platform for professionals passionate about improving healthcare through research.

Invitation to Senior Researchers and Peer Reviewers The success and credibility of any academic journal depend heavily on the strength and commitment of its reviewers and editorial contributors. UJNM therefore extends a special invitation to experienced nurse researchers, midwifery scholars, professors, clinicians, and academic leaders to join the journal’s growing network of peer reviewers and mentors.

Senior professionals have a unique opportunity to: a. Shape the future of nursing and midwifery scholarship in Africa b. Mentor emerging researchers c. Promote research quality and integrity d. Support evidence-informed healthcare practice e. Contribute to international scholarly dialogue Through reviewer engagement, experienced scholars can play a critical role in nurturing the next generation of African nursing and midwifery researchers.

The Uganda Journal of Nursing and Midwifery is more than a publication platform. It is a movement to strengthen African scholarly writing, promote evidence-based practice, and ensure that nurses and midwives contribute more visibly to global scientific knowledge.

As healthcare challenges continue to evolve, the nursing and midwifery professions must remain at the forefront of innovation, research, and policy influence. UJNM offers a powerful opportunity for nurses and midwives to document experiences, generate evidence, and influence healthcare transformation locally and globally.

The future of nursing and midwifery research in Uganda is promising, and the time to contribute is now. Join the vibrant team of nurses and midwives promoting NMLTT VOL.2 10

14 evidence-based practice for quality care and improved patient outcomes by submitting your article for publication or joining the pool of reviewers and editors through the website: https://ujnm.org For inquiries, visit the official journal website or contact the editorial team through the email: ujnm@unmc.ug Authors: Okiror Barbara, Managing Editor – UJNM & Lubega Martin, Associate Editor, UJNM

Congratulations to the UNMJ

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15 TRANSFORMING ACCESS AND CARE: OUR NURSES, OUR FUTURE On this International Nurses Day (12th May 2026), under the theme “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” I reflect not only on the profession that has shaped me, but also on the privilege and responsibility that comes with growing within it.

My journey as a nurse, midwife, and women’s health specialist has been guided by a persistent question: “What more can be done to improve how we care, teach, and connect in ways that truly save lives and strengthen health systems?” Over time, I have learned that empowerment in nursing is not complex. It is built through intentional action across education, service delivery, community engagement, leadership, research, and innovation.

At the foundation of my work is nursing and midwifery education. Through competency-based learning, strengthened assessment systems, and simulation-informed clinical training, nurses and midwives in resourcelimited settings have acquired lifesaving skills that have directly contributed to improved clinical judgment, enhanced patient safety, and strengthened maternal and newborn outcomes.

I regard education not merely as preparation for practice, but as one of the most powerful and sustainable forms of health system strengthening.

Beyond health training institutions, I have worked to reshape how society sees and hears the profession. Through my initiative, “Your Nurse & Midwife on Air,” I created a community-based media platform to expand public understanding of nursing and midwifery.

This initiative has strengthened public trust, increased the profession's visibility, and positioned nurses and midwives as influential voices in health education, advocacy, promotion, and disease prevention. In many ways, it has helped shift perception from nurses as service providers alone to nurses as visible health leaders within communities.

In clinical practice, Best Medical Center reflects this philosophy translated into service delivery. I established it to ensure that access to

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16 care is not delayed, fragmented, or dehumanized, but timely, respectful, and centered on dignity. This has contributed to improved access to care and supported health-seeking behaviour of communities.

Complementing this is another innovation, the Nutrition and Wellness Hub, which reflects my commitment to prevention through community engagement and media. Through collaboration, consistent education, and practical guidance, awareness has improved and nutritional and dietary practices have shifted positively within communities. This reinforces my belief that small, consistent preventive actions can create meaningful long-term health transformation at the population level.

Alongside these initiatives, my research engagement ensures innovation remains grounded in evidence and responsive to real community needs. It allows me to contribute to solutions

that are practical, contextually relevant, and sustainable.

What I continue to learn is that meaningful change is never achieved in isolation. It is built through collaboration with colleagues, policymakers, mentors, clients, and the communities we serve. Every step of this journey has been shaped by shared effort and shared purpose.

Today, I celebrate with nurses and midwives across the world whose work continues to sustain health systems often under pressure yet full of possibility.

When nurses are empowered through education, visibility, access to quality care, prevention, and evidence-based practice, they do more than strengthen systems; they redefine them. The future of health is not only dependent on technology or infrastructure, but on how effectively we invest in, trust, and elevate our nursing and midwifery workforce.

The writer is, Lilian Nuwabaine Luyima (Episteme Award Recipient 2025; World’s Best Nurse Finalist 2024; Multi-Award-Winning Researcher 2023; Heroes in Health Award Winning Midwife 2021 & Outstanding woman of 2021)

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17 THE POWER OF ONE: A MIDWIFE WHO REFUSED TO GIVE UP: ALEKAT SARAH GLADYS, MIDWIFE, SRRH, MEMBER NMAU &UNMU Some three years ago, while working in the Gynecology ward, I was on night duty alone when a mother was rushed in on a motorcycle. She had an inevitable abortion and was severely anemic, confused, and actively bleeding. As soon as she was assisted into the ward, she collapsed.

Recognizing the urgency, I called for help and instructed the nearby men to assist me in placing her on the couch in the lithotomy position. Upon close examination, the fetus’ limbs were already protruding, so I immediately evacuated the products of conception. At this point, I was thinking the baby had died. To my surprise, after the fetus was delivered, I realized the male baby still had signs of life. I did everything within my scope and promptly transferred the baby to the NICU. Shortly thereafter, I returned to the mother, expelled the placenta, started normal saline, and placed her on oxygen therapy. I had already drawn blood and sent her husband to the laboratory, but he returned with the disappointing news that the available blood had been reserved for another mother scheduled for a procedure the following day. I wrote back urgently, explaining that this mother was critically ill and might not survive until morning. Still, he returned without blood.

At that moment, I knew I had to act. I set aside everything I was doing and went to the laboratory myself. Despite the lab technician's sarcastic remarks, I went to the fridge and picked up a unit of blood. Only then did the technician offer to perform grouping and cross‑matching. I let him do so, but I did not waste time because the available unit was O+, and I was confident it would be compatible.

He followed me with the compatibility results, which were correct.

I reminded him firmly that emergencies in obstetrics and gynecology cannot wait, and no blood should ever be kept for the next day when a dying patient needs it immediately. When I returned to the ward, the mother was already

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18 unconscious. With oxygen support and quick action, I connected the blood. By God’s grace, she slowly began to recover as the transfusion ran.

After stabilizing her, I rushed back to check on the baby in the NICU. He was breathing on oxygen and on local CPAP. He weighed about 700 grams, had started on antibiotics, and was placed under a radiant warmer. Seeing both mother and baby fighting for life melted my heart. It reminded me of why our work matters and affirmed the decisions I made that night. The parents later named the baby OLEKAT, the male form of my Ateso name. During his baptism, they asked me to choose a Christian name for him as well. I chose my husband’s name, Paul, and my father’s name, John, making him OLEKAT JOHN PAUL. Today, a healthy three‑year‑old boy named OLEKAT JOHN PAUL stands as living proof of what dedicated midwives can accomplish, even in the toughest circumstances. His life is a Gift. May this story remind us of the profound impact midwives have on families, communities, and generations to come. Let us continue to uplift, support, and protect those who give so much of themselves to save others.

Author: Alekat Sarah Gladys, Midwife, SRRH | Member, NMAU & UNMU

NMLTT VOL.2 10 Illustration generated with ChatGPT (OpenAI), 2026

19 UNPLUGGING TO STAY WELL: DIGITAL WELLNESS FOR NURSES AND MIDWIVES: BY JUDITH HOPE KICONCO, RN, BSN, MPH. Digital wellness is becoming increasingly important in nursing and midwifery as our work becomes more technology‑driven. Many of us move through our shifts with electronic health records, mobile phones, WhatsApp work groups, emails, telehealth platforms, and online CPD running in the background. These tools have improved communication, made clinical information easier to access, and supported faster decision‑making. Yet they have also created a new kind of strain that many of us feel but rarely talk about: digital fatigue.

It is now common for nurses and midwives to check work messages on their days off, respond to WhatsApp discussions late at night, complete online training after long shifts, or juggle multiple digital platforms throughout the day.

Over time, this constant connectivity can lead to mental exhaustion, reduced concentration, difficulty separating work from personal life, sleep disturbances, and increased stress. Technology keeps us connected, but it can also prevent us from truly disconnecting.

Illustration 1: The Hidden Cost of Constant Connection

Illustration generated with ChatGPT (OpenAI), 2026

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20 Digital wellness is not about avoiding technology; it is about using it in ways that protect our well‑being. Small, intentional habits can make a big difference.

Silencing non‑urgent work notifications during personal time, avoiding work messages right before sleep, setting specific times for online learning instead of squeezing it into rest periods, taking short screen breaks during long documentation sessions, and choosing a quick face‑to‑face conversation instead of long message threads when possible can all help reduce mental overload. These simple practices allow us to stay focused, rested, and present— both at work and at home.

As technology continues to shape the future of nursing and midwifery, from electronic records to telehealth and AI‑supported care, we must remember that caring for ourselves includes caring for our relationship with technology. Healthy digital habits protect our energy, our clarity, and the quality of care we provide.

In a world that is always connected, one of the healthiest choices a nurse or midwife can make is knowing when to log on—and when it is equally important to log off. Let’s each choose one digital wellness habit and start practicing it today, not someday—whether it’s silencing notifications after a shift, taking a screen break, or setting boundaries around work messages. Protecting our wellbeing is not optional; it is part of the care we owe ourselves and the communities we serve.

Illustration 2: Practical Strategies for Digital Wellness

Illustration generated with ChatGPT (OpenAI), 2026

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21 ONE MORE MIDWIFE COULD HAVE SAVED THEM My aunt began to convulse in the middle of the night. We had no ambulance, no nearby health facility, and no one who knew how to save her. I was still a child in Buhweju, a rural district in southwestern Uganda, when it happened. My aunt was pregnant, full of life, carrying a baby we were all waiting to welcome, until suddenly, everything changed. She convulsed, and panic spread quickly. With no other option, we did what many rural families still do: we started walking.

We walked more than 30 kilometers through the night, carrying her on a stretcher, carrying hope with us. Along the way, people told my parents to turn back. They said, “We have seen this before.

Women like her and their babies rarely survive.”

Regardless, my mother refused to give up. That night, for the first time in my life, I saw her cry.

By the time we reached the health facility, exhaustion had already taken its toll.

The health workers tried to save her. They tried to save the baby. But it was too late. We lost them both. Years later, I would learn that my aunt’s death was not an isolated tragedy. Every day, hundreds of women die from preventable pregnancy and childbirth-related complications, most of them in rural and underserved communities like mine.

In the silence that followed that night, I made a promise to myself: “When I grow up, I will become a midwife. I will not let women and their babies die like this.”

Today, my journey has taken me far, from that village in Buhweju to regional and national referral hospitals, classrooms, and health programs globally. I am now a nurse-midwife and women’s health specialist, educator, researcher, and founder of Best Medical Center, working to save mothers and their babies, train future nurses and midwives, strengthen care, and ensure that no woman or newborn is left behind simply because of where they live. To date, I have trained and

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22 mentored thousands of health workers across communities, equipping each with skills that can save lives at the most critical moment.

Every year on 05 May, the world marks the International Day of the Midwife.

The 2026 theme, led by the International Confederation of Midwives, calls for “One More Million Midwives.” This message is deeply personal to me because I know what happens when there isn't even one.

I have seen how one skilled midwife can stop life-threatening bleeding after delivery, manage other complications, and help a newborn take their first breath. I have also seen what happens in their absence: long journeys, delayed care, and lives lost too soon.

The truth is simple: “No woman should have to walk 30 kilometers to give birth.

No family should be told to turn back The writer is,

and prepare for loss. And no health system should leave its most vulnerable without skilled care.” Yet, too many families are still walking those same roads we walked that night. Too many are still told to give up.

That is why the world does not just need more midwives. We need deliberate investment in midwifery training, deployment, and retention, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Remember, behind every safe birth is a skilled hand. Behind every living baby is a fighting chance. And behind every midwife is a story like mine, born from loss, but driven by an unbreakable promise.

I could not save my aunt and her baby. But today, through every midwife trained and every life reached, I help ensure others do not face the same fate.

Lilian Nuwabaine Luyima (Episteme Global Research Award Recipient 2025; World’s Best Nurse Finalist 2024; Multi-Award-Winning Researcher 2023; Heroes in Health Award-Winning Midwife 2021 & Outstanding Woman of 2021)

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23 A LETTER TO MY FELLOW NURSES AND MIDWIVES: BY ALEKAT SARAH GLADYS, MIDWIFE, SRRH, MEMBER NMAU & UNMU Dear Colleagues, Every day, we step into our wards, clinics, theatres, and communities carrying not only our skills, but also the emotional weight of the lives entrusted to us. We face emergencies, loss, joy, exhaustion, and moments that stretch us beyond our limits. Yet through it all, we continue to serve with compassion, courage, and dedication.

But behind the strength we show the world, we are human. We feel fear. We get tired. We sometimes lose focus. That's why I want to share a simple framework that has helped me navigate life’s challenges—both personal and professional. I call it “The 3As of Resilience.”

As an African proverb reminds us: “When the world throws thorns, you must learn to walk with sandals.”

Resilience is our sandal.

Acceptance: Acceptance is the first step toward clarity. It means acknowledging situations as they are — whether it’s a difficult shift, a heartbreaking outcome, a shortage of supplies, or personal struggles we carry silently. Acceptance helps us remain calm, make clearer decisions, and avoid blaming ourselves for what we cannot control.

Adaptation: Once we accept reality, we can begin to adapt. And if any profession knows how to adapt, it is ours. We adjust when a mother arrives in critical condition, when a baby needs urgent resuscitation, when staffing is low, or when protocols change overnight. We bend — we do not break.

Advancement: Advancement is the growth that follows adaptation. It means learning from difficult cases, building confidence after tough shifts, protecting our mental health, and refusing to let fear define our future.

Advancement reminds us that every challenge shapes us into stronger, wiser, and more compassionate professionals.

And so, dear colleagues, as we continue in this demanding but deeply meaningful profession, may we carry these 3As with us. We serve mothers and newborns, yes — but we also serve men, women, adolescents, the elderly, and NMLTT VOL.2 10

24 entire communities that depend on our presence, our judgment, and our compassion. Let us support one another, speak kindly to ourselves, rest when we need to, and remember that resilience is built one day at a time.

As I always say: “God manifests through mankind; do your best, and He will do the rest.”

With strength and solidarity, Author: Alekat Sarah Gladys

PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES The Think Tank Newsletter editing team accepts articles on a rolling basis under the sub-themes below. a. Research and Innovation b. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) c. Policy Leadership/Governance d. Clinical Practice e. Ebola Response.

Think Tank is committed to supporting nurses and midwives through strategic advocacy. Advocate for Nurses and Midwives. Please send us your current email address so we can add you to our mailing list.

Our faith in you is steadfast. May you continue to rise to the challenge in this International Year of the Health and Care Workers by WHO - 2021. More than ever, this nation needs you. We thank you, and may God bless you.

Copy to:

The Hon Minister for Health The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports Commissioner Nursing Services, Ministry of Health Commissioner Health Education & Training, Ministry of Education and Sports The President of the Uganda Medical Association All Nurses and Midwives

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25 EMPOWERED TO SAVE LIVES: A LANDMARK TRIUMPH FOR UGANDA'S NURSES AND MIDWIVES IN UGANDA The Association of Graduate Nurses and Midwives of Uganda (AGNMU) made history by hosting its very first National Nurses and Midwives Scientific Conference. The event took place at the Makerere University School of Public Health, right on the eve of International Nurses Day. Held under the powerful theme "Empowered Nurses and Midwives Save Lives," this major gathering marked a huge step forward for healthcare in the country.

The conference successfully brought together over 250 participants. The audience included frontline clinical nurses, midwives, researchers, educators, and health scientists from all over Uganda. Attendees traveled from National and Regional Referral Hospitals, District Hospitals, private clinics, and key government policy bodies. Thanks to strong partnerships with the Ministry of Health, Makerere University, Seed Global Health, and The Aga Khan University, the event created a wonderful space where scientific research met real-world, everyday patient care.

During the conference, key speakers delivered powerful messages focused on transforming Uganda's nursing and midwifery profession through education, staffing, and economic support. Prof. Mary J.N. Okwakol, Executive Director, NCHE, announced that all higher education institutions must switch to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) by the 2027/2028 academic year to ensure graduates possess strong, practical clinical skills. Highlighting the urgency of this educational shift, the Commissioner for Nursing and

Midwifery Services, Ms. Evelyn Kyomugisha (Commissioner for Nursing and Midwifery Services-MOH), revealed that MOH is in advanced stages and will offer scholarships for career advancement, including critical care nursing, cardiology nursing fellowships, and neonatology nursing, in partnership with universities.

To address these systemic pressures, AGNMU President Prof. Edward Kumakech stressed that true empowerment must extend beyond clinical skills to include leadership roles, policy influence, and financial

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26 stability, ensuring that the dedicated professionals who serve as the backbone of Uganda's health system are fully supported and recognized.

The Registrar of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, Ms. Christine Nimwesiga, re-emphasized the urgent need for nurses and midwives to register early for their professional working licenses and fast-track the accumulation of required CPD points, which will become a mandatory license renewal requirement starting in July 2026.

At the heart of the conference's success was a strong focus on using research to improve daily medical work. Researchers shared exciting new studies directly from the official conference abstract booklet. These presentations showed how advanced nursing methods can solve real problems in Uganda's clinics and hospitals. Some of the key research topics discussed included; Better Health Systems: Studies examined how well regional hospitals use electronic medical record systems to keep patient data safe and organized. Under the topic: Predictive Modeling of Key Drivers Influencing Electronic Medical Record System (EMRS) Utilization in Ugandan Referral Hospitals.

High Standards of Care: Researchers examined how private clinics in urban areas follow national nursing guidelines to keep patients safe. Under the topic: Regulatory audits evaluating compliance with the 2019 UNMC guidelines across urban private facilities.

Saving Mothers and Babies: Presenters shared community-led programs that have successfully saved the lives of mothers and newborns during childbirth. Under the topic: Integrated communityled models designed to drastically improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

The quality of research shows that nurses and midwives are no longer just sitting and watching; instead, they are using hard evidence to help design alternative solutions for the country’s healthcare system.

The conference was not just about academic research; it also celebrated major steps forward for health workers' welfare. The biggest highlight of the event was the official launch of the Nurses and Midwives Fraternity Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd (NMF SACCO) registration certificate number P.29627/RCS. The association's leaders created this special, member-owned financial cooperative to give nurses and NMLTT VOL.2 10

27 midwives economic independence.

The SACCO aims to provide a safe place to save money, fair access, affordable loans, and support to help health workers build stable financial futures. At the same time, leadership held direct talks with national decision-makers to push for better working conditions. They advocated for fair salaries, better supervision and on-the-job support, and more scholarships for advanced nursing training. These efforts ensure that highly trained graduate professionals are placed in the right jobs and fully respected within the government health system.

The association plans to make this scientific conference annual, launch an official journal to publish local medical research, become a CPD hub for nurses and midwives nationwide, and build mentorship programs that connect experienced specialists with young researchers. By combining scientific knowledge with financial empowerment, the association has set a new standard.

With research, strong unity, and a clear mission, Uganda's graduate nurses and midwives are now better equipped than ever to improve health systems, shape national policies, and save lives across the country.

Looking to the Future

Dan Muramuzi Board Secretary (AGNMU)

UPCOMING EVENTS Internship National Survey The Association of Graduate Nurses and Midwives Uganda (AGNMU) seeks your help in determining the next step regarding the internship policy. All nurses and midwives working in both public and private institutions can complete this survey in 2 minutes. https://forms.gle/v3BV2orFT6JhX4fT7

CONFERENCES 17th ECSACONM Biennial Scientific Conference & 8th General Assembly Conference Registration is still open.

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28 The East, Central and Southern Africa College of Nursing and Midwifery (ECSACONM) invites nurses, midwives, educators, policymakers, researchers and students to participate in the 17th ECSACONM Biennial Scientific Conference, which will take place from 14 – 16 September 2026 in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania, followed by the Quadrennial General Assembly on 17 & 18 September 2026.

This year's conference will be held with the theme: "Nurses and Midwives Sustaining Quality Healthcare in a Changing World." The conference provides a regional platform for sharing evidence, innovations, and best practices that strengthen nursing and midwifery practice, education, leadership, and research across the 19 ECSA member states and beyond. Participants will engage in plenary sessions, scientific presentations, workshops, and networking sessions to help shape the future of healthcare delivery in a rapidly evolving environment.

Join nurses, midwives, educators, policymakers, researchers, and students from across the East, Central, and Southern Africa region and beyond to share evidence, innovations, and best practices that sustain quality healthcare in a changing world.

Late Registration Deadline: 31 August 2026. Book via Conference - ECSACONM, whether you are an ECSACONM member or not.

Contact & Support For assistance with registration, payments, abstracts, or general conference logistics, please contact the ECSACONM Secretariat using the details below.

Email (Secretariat): conference@ecsaconm.org WhatsApp (Inquiries): +255 757 618 084 WhatsApp (Inquiries): +255 767 963 049 We will attend to messages received outside working hours on the next business day.

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USEFUL CONTACTS

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30 Please find below a list of useful contacts to forward your concerns appropriately.

The Editorial team reviews the list of contacts periodically. If you have more contacts for organisations that would like to be included here, please email the details to ezabe222@gmail.com. Input subject heading – NMLTT additional contact details UNMC queries: info@unmc.ug UNMU:- info@unmu.ug CPD APP concerns: martin@unmc.ug National Organisations Education and Training Standards: Department of Nursing at Ministry of Health HET (Min of Education and Sports) QUESTIONS? CALL: 0417 893600 (PRO) Mobile 0777108170 Some of the associations AGNMU: graduates@agnmu.org Critical Care Association:president@ccnau.org Midwifery Association: nationalmidwivesassociationug@gmail.com Nursing and Midwives Society: info@nursesandmidwivessociety.org Emergency Care Society of Uganda: admin@ecsuganda.org Palliative Care Association of Uganda: pxau.admin@pcau.org.ug Diaspora Uganda Nurses Midwives Society: nhccuganda@gmail.com Others NMLTT (Think-Tank Leaders): uganursemidwife.leaders@gmail.com Contact Debrief Think-Tank team: uganursemidwife.leaders@gmail.com Nurses blog: editors.nhccuganda@gmail.com Nursing Now Campaign Uganda now Nursing Now challenge: nursingnowuganda@gmail.com East, Central, and Southern African College of Nursing and Midwifery (ECSACONM) About us - ECSACONM

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NMLTT NEWSLETTER CREATIVE TEAM

Dr. Safinah Kisu Museene, Chairperson, NMLTT

Assoc Prof. Rose Clarke Nanyonga.

Executive Member; Chief Editor

Ms Irene Atuhairwe Duhaga Executive Member; Editor

Ms Elizabeth Pearson NMLTT Steering Committee; Editor

Ms. Judith Kiconco NMLTT Steering Committee; Editor

Ms Tracy Kobukindo Kamau NMLTT Steering Committee; Editor NMLTT VOL.2 10

Informed disclaimer: - All editing team members are Nurses/Midwives, and they are all volunteering their time and expertise. However, the views expressed in the articles are of the authors or writers solely. Although the editing team does its very best and is responsible for vetting the information, the authors’ opinions remain. it is, therefore, upon the authors to make sure that what they submit is referenced appropriately and accurately.