Rediscovering Purpose Through a Patient’s Quiet Gratitude

At Mulago NRH, the pace of care rarely slows. As Lead of the Palliative Care Unit, I was driven by a deep desire to ease suffering. But one quiet evening, a moment changed everything. She was a 62-year-old grandmother with advanced breast cancer, alone, fragile, and as I adjusted her drip, she reached for my hand and whispered, “Daktari, you make me feel human again, not just a patient.” Her words pierced through routine and reawakened my purpose. I sat beside her, and she shared stories of Gulu, her grandchildren’s laughter, and dreams she still held close. In that sacred exchange, I saw that healing is not just clinical, it’s about dignity, presence, and honouring the whole person. From that day, my leadership transformed.  I listened with respect, intention, and saw my team as companions, and not just clinicians. Her whisper became our compass, guiding a culture of empathy and connection. It reminded us that every patient is more than their diagnosis.  This is the heartbeat of PCERC Mulago and my mission: to lead with compassion and ensure no one walks their final path feeling unseen.