Uganda has lost a remarkable figure in Theresa Winfred Nansikombi, a woman whose contributions to the country’s health sector have left an indelible mark.
Passing away at 94, Nansikombi’s life was one of unwavering service, compassion, and a dedication to improving the well-being of her community.
Born in 1930 to a Ugandan father and an Irish missionary mother, Nansikombi’s upbringing instilled in her a sense of duty and care for others.
This early foundation laid the groundwork for her decades-long career in nursing and midwifery, roles she embraced with unrelenting passion.
She began her medical journey at Mubende Hospital in the 1950s, where she quickly became known for her skill and empathy in the maternity ward.
Over the years, Nansikombi worked in hospitals across Uganda, including Jinja Hospital, where she made significant contributions to maternal and child healthcare.
Her efforts were not limited to delivering babies and treating patients. Nansikombi played a key role in mentoring young nurses and midwives, many of whom went on to become leaders in the healthcare field.
She was a pioneer in advocating for better healthcare practices and resources for underserved communities, and her work contributed to improved health outcomes for countless families.
To her colleagues, she was a leader and an innovator. To her patients, she was a guardian angel. It is no wonder she earned the affectionate nickname “JajjaMaama,” a testament to her role as a maternal figure not only in her profession but also in her community.
Despite her monumental contributions to healthcare, Nansikombi’s life was not confined to the walls of hospitals. She became a cultural icon in the 1970s when musician Christopher Sebaduka immortalized her in his hit song Tereza Owebina Edene.
While the song celebrated her beauty, Nansikombi often joked that it overshadowed her true passion: her work. “The song made me famous for not-so-nice reasons, but my work made me famous for the right ones,” she once said with a smile.
Her family remembers her as a woman of many talents who balanced her demanding career with raising three generations of children. She cherished music, storytelling, and quiet moments in her garden.
To her loved ones, she was the glue that held them together, a source of wisdom and love.
As Uganda mourns the loss of Theresa Nansikombi, the country also celebrates a life well-lived—a life dedicated to healing, nurturing, and inspiring.
Her legacy will live on in the healthcare systems she strengthened, the professionals she mentored, and the lives she touched.
