The Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU) celebrated its 10th Members Annual Dinner on 5 December, 2025, an evening defined by renewed commitment, spiritual reflection, and deep appreciation for the community driving palliative care across the nation.

The core focus of the event was driven by the theme: “Empowering Children and Youth to Engage and Strengthen Compassionate Communities in Uganda.” The primary purpose was to generate support for the expansion of the School Compassionate Community Program, which includes the establishment of more Palliative Care Clubs across primary and secondary schools nationwide. To achieve this, a critical fundraising goal was set at UGX 100 million. This funding is intended to support 10 hospices collaborating with 10 schools over the subsequent two years, with the understanding that these School Clubs play a crucial role in fostering compassionate individuals, raising awareness on disease prevention, and cultivating community service to reawaken communities to care for the sick, frail, and older people.

Dinner Highlights and Key Messages

Mark-Donald Mwesiga, the Executive Director of the Palliative Care Association of Uganda, highlighted the organization’s profound track record and outlined the vital new focus for 2026. He celebrated how previous annual dinners have successfully funded transformative projects, stating that the community dinners have: “turned dreams into reality from building structures to funding community programs, supporting children, and helping purchase a children’s hospital.”

Pastor Joshua from Watoto Church offered a profound message on Spiritual Strength in Suffering. He challenged the societal expectation of constant strength, asserting that faith invites us to bring our weakness before God. He encouraged the audience to acknowledge that pain is a part of the human journey, explaining that the path through suffering is found by focusing on our core being and trusting in God’s strengthening power. The Pastor shared the ultimate example: “Jesus Himself walked through pain. His example reminds us that suffering does not mean abandonment it means God is working through us, with us, and for us.”

Delivering the message on The Power of Giving, Dr. Miriam Ajambo, representing the Director General of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the fundamental importance of kindness and contribution. She framed the work of palliative care using words from global leaders, including: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” (Winston Churchill) and “The simplest acts of kindness are far more powerful than a thousand prayers.” (Mahatma Gandhi). Dr. Ajambo extended deep appreciation to every individual and organization that contributes, extending special thanks to Hospice Africa Uganda, Regional hospices, Healthcare professionals, and dedicated supporters for their joint commitment to ensuring the quality of life for patients, so that “no one suffers or dies in unnecessary pain.”

The dinner also served as a Night of Gratitude, where PCAU appreciated its Lifetime Members and dedicated supporters for their crucial role in scaling up Palliative Care across Uganda.

The attendees were rewarded with raffle ticket draws offered exciting prizes, including a health subscription and Spa at Speke Resort Munyonyo and staycations at Fairway Hotel and Simbiya Lodge.

The 10th Annual Dinner ultimately solidified PCAU’s position at the forefront of compassionate care, bringing together faith, health, and community for the singular goal of alleviating suffering across Uganda.