
By Justine Kigozi Odwongo
Liverpool-Wirral, — The Ugandan Nurses and Midwives Association in the United Kingdom (UNMA-UK) celebrated a significant milestone during its 5th Annual General Meeting and Achievement Event at the prestigious Thornton Hall Hotel. Bringing together over 350 healthcare professionals from across the UK, the event was a vibrant display of resilience, leadership, and cross-continental commitment to healthcare improvement.
Themed “Promoting Mental Health and Resilience of Ethnic Minority Staff in a Dynamic Healthcare System,” the day focused on the critical challenges faced by minority nurses in the UK, including underrepresentation in leadership roles and disproportionate referrals for Fitness to Practice cases. President Justine Kigozi Odwongo delivered a powerful address, calling for systemic change and stronger support networks for ethnic minority healthcare workers.
The celebration was attended by distinguished guests including the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral, Mr. and Mrs. Kenny, the Ugandan Deputy Ambassador Hon. Phillip Rukikaire, and Uganda’s Commissioner for Nursing and Midwifery, Mrs. Agnes Bakku, who received a standing ovation. Their presence emphasized the strong partnership between the UK-based Ugandan healthcare community and national stakeholders both at home and abroad.
Sponsors such as Uganda Finance Bank, Equity Bank, Centenary Bank, and Uganda Airlines helped make the event a success, underlining the strong diaspora-business collaboration. A key highlight was a raffle draw where Linda Amon Muyobo won a return ticket to Uganda, symbolizing the ongoing connection between homeland and diaspora.
UNMA-UK continues to advocate for bilateral healthcare partnerships, including the recognition of diaspora health workers’ contributions through paid leave for volunteering in Uganda. The association remains a vital platform for mentorship, advocacy, and professional growth among Ugandan nurses and midwives in the UK.
As the celebratory cake was cut and shared among newly qualified professionals and dignitaries alike, the message was clear: unity, progress, and hope will continue to define this dynamic and influential communit

VIP guests. Left to right: Alison Sanneh( Christie Foundation)Rev Enock Kiyaga ( community leader)Margaret Mcathy( global partnerships) Mr. &Mrs Kenny (mayor of wirral and mayoress, musawo Justine kigozi Odwongo (president UNMA-UK), Mr Phillip Rukikaire, deputy Leuitenant Hazel snell and vice president UNMA-UK Mr. Timothy mugerwa.