By Pauline Luba
In the mountainous village of Mutoto in the eastern Uganda district of Mbale, a quiet revolution is underway. At its helm is Jeremiah Mbulamani, a man whose journey from an orphan to a public health leader has inspired the creation of Mother’s Heart Uganda, a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers and children in rural communities.

Mbulamani, the 19th of 21 siblings, faced immense challenges early in life. He lost his mother at seven years and, seven years later, his father. From then on, he fought off life’s challenges, succeeding to pass through Uganda’s education system, attending Kolonyi Primary, Kabwangasi Secondary School, Seeta High School and Kyambogo University. 

From Kyambogo University, he headed to Uganda Christian University (UCU), where he pursued a Master of Public Health Leadership, graduating in 2016. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in “Women and Gender Studies” at Makerere University.

“After my graduation at UCU, I didn’t know what to do,” Mbulamani recalls. “They prepared us for employment; but with my background, I wanted to do something else.” 

It is that desire that planted the seed for Mother’s Heart Uganda. He decided not to simply chase for employment but to mobilize his own community and put into practice the maternal health issues that he had studied in class. 

Mother’s Heart Uganda was founded in 2016 to create a supportive environment for mothers, improve access to healthcare and provide opportunities for education and empowerment. The organization, now eight years old, has grown into a vibrant body that is deeply woven into the fabric of the Mbale community.

One of the key pillars of Mother’s Heart Uganda is education. Recognizing how literacy, empowerment and health outcomes are interlinked, Jeremiah and his team established Golden Hill Junior School, a primary school that now has an enrollment of more than 400 children. The school not only focuses on academic excellence, but also integrates life skills, hygiene, and nutrition education into its curriculum.

For the mothers, the organization offers functional education programs in tailoring, agriculture and hairdressing. Such skills provide women with opportunities to earn an income and gain independence. 

“Every day, I deal with mothers,” Jeremiah said. “I get countless stories of struggles and triumphs, and it’s clear that giving women the tools to support themselves changes everything.”

Beyond education, Mother’s Heart Uganda has also ventured into healthcare provision. Understanding that safe motherhood goes hand in hand with access to medical services, the organization started the construction of a community hospital. Though still under development, the medical center currently allows families to access basic health services, a lifeline for those who previously had to trek long distances over rough terrain for medical help.

The medical facility in the rural heart of Mutoto community was a direct response to the community’s request for a nearby medical health facility. According to the facility’s website, these activities at the health centre are partially funded through volunteer-organized donations. To further enhance healthcare accessibility, a community tricycle ambulance was procured with funding from a visiting volunteer to Mothers Heart Uganda Project. The tricycle offers a cost-effective transport solution for urgent medical needs.

The organization has also extended its impact through rehabilitation programs for children with disabilities and environmental conservation initiatives, demonstrating that sustainable community health involves caring for both people and the environment.

Jeremiah describes his typical day as active: “Being busy is not the only thing; I talk and implement the projects.” His energy is mirrored by his team, whose grassroots approach through community meetings, home visits, and publicity keeps them connected to those who need help the most.

While the victories are many, the challenges remain real. Jeremiah points to limited technical support from policymakers, lack of funding, and the logistical hurdles of operating in a mountainous area. Yet, his optimism remains unshaken. 

“What has surely motivated me is that I started working and I am still alive,” he says, a simple but profound testament to perseverance.

Mother’s Heart Uganda envisions a future where maternal deaths are a thing of the past and literacy levels soar. As they continue to seek medical equipment, complete their hospital, and expand their school, the invitation for support remains open. Volunteers, donors, and partners are all welcome to join their mission of transforming lives in Uganda.

Through Mother’s Heart Uganda, Mbulamani continues to uplift his community, proving that even the humblest beginnings can lead to extraordinary change.

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