Dr. Ian Clarke's story, from one of his several books, 'How Deep Is This Pothole?' is such a well-delivered and apt description of the different facets of Uganda and Ireland, through the eyes of an Irish doctor. The story shares about Uganda's concealed troubles within its leadership, it shares the true meaning of care and determination and also reveals how important it is to develop risk-tolerance.
While the primary plot unravels the unfailing courage of an Irish missionary doctor who travelled from Ireland to Uganda and developed a systematic healthcare programme through building hospitals, training facilities and expertise, the subplots are just as important.
Take for example, that when Ian and his wife Roberta arrived in Luwero, which is a district north of Kampala, with their young children, they were met with the changing and rather tumultuous regimes at the time, creating unprecedented risk. In the 1980s, AIDS was also a rising health challenge with untold of fear, unaccounted for deaths and severe emotional consequences amidst the lack of knowledge around its care.
In addition, Ian had a young family who, while fo rthe most part, they grasped his vision and supported him unreservedly, were still growing and had many questions about their individual lives and how Uganda fit into it.
Ian's story is full of heart and authentic grit. It is easy to tell the difference between a person truly invested into his purposeful journey and potential impact in using his skills to positively impact a place, and those just passing by.
Reading about how he began building his health systems from Kiwoko to Kampala, is mesmerizing. Negotiations with Government agencies, contractors, health workers and facing the brunt of unscrupulous individuals, that could easil have deterred him but didn't.
In the midst of his resilience in developing a unique healthcare plan for Uganda, Ian was diagnosed with cancer, a battle he endured two times, and here we witness the unrivalled importance of a supportive and understanding partner, which he found in Robbie, his wife.
He began by creating a health plan, and transcended those borders into real estate across borders, by establishing himself in Zanzibar.
The true definition os unstoppable. I learned so much about Uganda and its systems, from Ian' story and I hold deep admiration for those who hold onto their visions with relentless pursuit.
Published in 2010, Dr. Clarke has broadened his vision, since the books was published, even serving as member of Parliament in Makindye in subsequent years, with his family building their careers in the health industry and real estate.
The book is available on Amazon.
Review by Beverley N Nsengiyunva
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