Namazzi has been a dedicated midwife

Feb 22, 2009

SHE never treated an expectant mother with scorn and rudeness. To her, a nurse had to ensure that a mother enjoyed the fruits of motherhood.

By Anthony Bugembe

SHE never treated an expectant mother with scorn and rudeness. To her, a nurse had to ensure that a mother enjoyed the fruits of motherhood.

After more than 20 years of providing prenatal and postnatal care to expectant mothers, helping mothers to deliver and training midwives, Peggy Namazzi succumbed to meningitis and diabetes, on January 2, at Nsambya Hospital.

She was born in 1957 at Gulama, Buikwe in Mukono district. She studied at Najja Primary School before joining Nsuube Secondary School. In 1976, she trained as a midwife at Gulu Hospital and later joined Mulago Hospital.

In 1987, Namazzi joined the then Uganda Private Midwives Association which later became the Uganda Private Midwives Organisation (UPMO).

She became the organisation’s general secretary in 2007, a position she held until her death.

Namazzi trained nurses and midwives in post-abortion care, family planning and management of childhood illnesses.
“Peggy was always willing to pass on the skills she got from the several courses she attended.

Above all, she had the association at heart and always emphasised quality care in handling patients,” says Christine Lubwama, a member of the organisation.

The UPMO chairperson, Sakina Kiggundu, describes the late as vibrant, active, time-conscious and jolly: “She had a good sense of humour and always ensured that things were moving in the right direction.”

In a country where less than 50% of pregnant women have supervised deliveries, Namazzi played a key role in bridging the gap. She operated a clinic in Nalukolongo.

Pastore Mugagga Kateregga, her husband says: “She has travelled the world in an effort to acquire knowledge and skills to impart to other midwives in the country. A lot more was still expected from her.”

Namazzi was the secretary of the Namugongo Catholic parish executive council. She was the leader of married women in Namugongo Parish.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});