Elizabeth and Jonah: The first female Batwa nurses at Bwindi Community Hospital

Elizabeth and Jonah

As recent graduates of Uganda Nursing School Bwindi, Elizabeth and Jonah are blazing the trail for other Batwa women. They now put their skills to work caring for hospital patients, including Batwa in their own community.

"I recently finished my nursing course at Uganda Nursing School Bwindi, and I am glad that Bwindi Community Hospital has given me a job. I work in the Community Health and Batwa Department where I interact with and provide services to my fellow Batwa. I also participate in the immunization program for Batwa babies and children." —Elizabeth Nahwera

Challenging common stereotypes about the Batwa people, Elizabeth Nahwera from Byumba settlement and Jonah Tumushabeare from Nteko settlement are the first female Batwa nurses working at Bwindi Community Hospital. Their education from primary school through Uganda Nursing School Bwindi was provided by the Batwa Development Program through the Kellermann Foundation.

Elizabeth wanted to become a nurse because nursing would allow her to participate in improving the health status of her fellow Batwa. "I loved studying and gaining more knowledge. I also knew that school fees wouldn’t be a problem if I wanted to study," Elizabeth adds, expressing her gratitude to the Batwa Development Program, the Kellerman Foundation, and Uganda Nursing School Bwindi for making her dreams come true.

Jonah works in the Surgical Ward of Bwindi Community Hospital where she loves to help and make patients feel better. "Most importantly, I am happy because I work with doctors and specialists who are very kind to me, always teaching and mentoring me," Jonah shares.

Elizabeth and Jonah are not only respectable members of their communities in Byumba and Nteko settlements, but also role models for many young girls who need inspiration to pursue their dreams and break free from stereotypes and biases. They are not just healthcare providers; they are symbols of hope, strength, and transformation for the Batwa community and beyond.

Elizabeth and Jonah hope that more Batwa women will seek professions such as healthcare and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive professional community.

For Bwindi Community Hospital, Elizabeth and Jonah are a testament to the impact the hospital has had on the community in the past two decades. Elizabeth and Jonah not only serve their own Batwa communities, but they also empower and encourage the Batwa people to serve one another.