Why locally led care in Uganda matters: reflections from our Trustee, Peter
- web81754
- 54 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Many of you will already have read about our recent visit to Uganda in our CEO,Geoff’s blog. which he concluded yesterday.
Today, we’re sharing a complementary perspective from Mildmay trustee Dr Peter Brunskill, whose reflections underline why this work, and how we do it, really matters.
What struck Peter most was not just the scale of need, but the strength of locally led care. At Mildmay Uganda, he saw an organisation that is deeply rooted in its community and quietly effective: specialist hospital care alongside community outreach, and a strong focus on training nurses, midwives and healthcare workers through its Institute of Health Sciences. It’s a model built to last, supporting children and families affected by HIV, poverty and disability, while investing in the people who will deliver care for years to come.
Peter also talks about partner organisations working in similar ways: focused on practical care, long-term relationships and local leadership. Whether providing palliative care, rehabilitation or support for children with complex remember of needs, the common thread was clear; services work best when they are shaped and delivered locally, with the right support alongside them.
In his blog, Peter reflects on the wider debate around overseas aid, particularly at a time when funding is becoming more uncertain. Training, partnership and shared expertise don’t just address immediate need, they leave behind skills, confidence and resilient services.
That is the approach Mildmay has taken for decades, and it continues to guide our international work today. As we look ahead to the next phase of our programmes in Uganda, Peter’s reflections echo what we see on the ground: that locally led, well-supported care can change lives, even in the most challenging circumstances.
