Iconic Ugandan Women-Sister Paula

Where is your heart? What do you want? Is it merely attention, or depth, meaning and love?

 I visited Ediofe Health Centre in Arua Town, Northwestern Uganda, a dispensary whose small size belies its magnificence. Its meticulous small corridors and simple furnished offices, hold stories of great healing.

Sister Paula, an Italian nun, having lived on our beautiful continent, served as a medical professional for decades, offering her selfless service to patients from all walks of life.

During the intense political turbulence, conflict and horror of 1979 and beyond, she continued to treat people in various locations. 

Closer to her death, when asked to be returned home for her final rest, she requested to be buried in Uganda, where her heart lies. Here is her grave, at the entrance of Ediofe Health Centre.

Sister Paula is one of the iconic Ugandan women I shall be writing about. Even though she may not be a national by blood, I have heard enough about her healing career from many people, to form a credible opinion that her heart was truly Ugandan.

This poetry project on Ugandan women is managed by Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation and supported by The Trust for Indigenous Culture nd Health (TICAH) and British Council Kenya.

Bless!

Beverley