The Warmest Welcome

On a recent morning in southwest Uganda, the gates of Chahafi Health Centre IV open, and a vibrant scene unfolds. The Bafumbira community gathers to celebrate the arrival of a newborn into its fold. The drums beat and the aroma of cooked food fills the air. symbolizing the community’s support for one another at times of joy and delight.

Community members waiting at the gates of Chahafi Health Centre IV. Photo by Winnie Nakiwunga/EGPAF

The Bafumbira are an ethnic minority who are believed to be the earliest people of East Africa and live on both sides of the Uganda-Rwanda border.

“The tradition of welcoming new mothers through celebration [at the facility] has been embedded in their cultural for as long as I remember,” says Dr. Mfitundinda Emmanuel, the in-charge, senior medical officer at Chahafi. The tradition not only encourages mothers to give birth at the health facility but also plays a significant role in uplifting community spirits.

“In Bufumbira culture, people bring cooked food and other gifts when they visit the mother, says John Peter Habumukiza, the husband of Annet Akampurira, who recently gave birth at Chahafi. “This encourages the mother to know that she is not alone. People escort the mother home, and even when they reach home the celebrations continue.”

John Peter Habumukiza and Annet Akampurira. Photo by Winnie Nakiwunga/EGPAF

“The celebrations of newborns at Chahafi Health Centre IV by the Bafumbira community have contributed to improving health facility deliveries,” says Fortunate Mahirwe, enrolled midwife. “I have a mother who gave birth from home but came here to be admitted so that she is escorted back by community members and family,” says Fortunate.

This demonstrates the community’s encouragement for mothers to deliver in the facilities under the supervision of trained medical professionals—with the anticipation of joyful celebrations upon returning home.

Over a period of one year, 2022 to 2023, the number of deliveries at Chahafi has steadily increased to surpass the national objective of at least 70% facility births. The Uganda Ministry of Health is promoting facility births because of the integrated health services available at the facility to ensure that mother and child are linked to care after the delivery.

The community’s outpouring of support is evident as parents and family members are discharged from the health facility, accompanied by sounds of laughter, music, dancing, and food.

“I have a sense of belonging,” says Musagyimana Sikoniya, a delighted mother with her newborn. She knows that her community will be there for her and her child at all times throughout their lives.

Musagyimana Sikoniya with her newborn. Photo by Winnie Nakiwunga/EGPAF