Shakiro Justine, a Ugandan female Clinical Officer from Mbale, has launched a fundraising and scholarship appeal to help her pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), with a dream of specializing in Pediatrics and Maternal and Child Health.Her journey has been marked by hardship, resilience, and determination.
Orphaned at the age of three, Shakiro grew up as the second-born of four girls under the care of her mother, who became a widow at just 24 years old.She says her mother faced deep cultural discrimination, having been denied an opportunity to pursue education and later struggling to provide for her daughters after losing her husband.
“When our father died, we were chased away from our home and all property was taken by relatives. We were told that a girl child was not considered a child,” Shakiro recalls.Despite poverty, rejection, and societal barriers, her mother worked tirelessly through domestic jobs and loans to ensure her daughters received an education.Through perseverance and faith, Shakiro completed a Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Community Health from Mbale School of Clinical Officers.
She currently serves as a Clinical Officer at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, where she provides care to mothers, newborns, and children in the West Nile region.Overcoming Disability After a Life-Changing AccidentShakiro’s journey took another difficult turn in 2007 when she was involved in a serious road traffic accident shortly before reporting to university.The accident left her unconscious for months, drained her family’s financial resources, and resulted in permanent physical disability.
The medical expenses also left her family with debts that they continue to struggle with.However, she refused to allow her circumstances to define her.“Amid disability, debt, and discrimination, I chose to rise. My dream did not die, and my calling to serve people did not die,” she says.Shakiro continued her education, supported her siblings, and dedicated herself to caring for patients, especially mothers and children.A Dream to Save More LivesAlthough she is currently serving as a Clinical Officer, Shakiro believes obtaining a medical degree will enable her to provide more advanced care, particularly in maternal, newborn, and child health.
Her dream is to become a medical doctor specializing in Pediatrics and Neonatal Care, helping reduce maternal and child deaths in Uganda, especially among vulnerable communities.“I want to serve better and reach more people. My qualification limits the kind of specialized care I can provide, but becoming a doctor will allow me to do much more,” she says.Appeal for Scholarship SupportShakiro is appealing to well-wishers, institutions, and partners to support her with tuition fees, accommodation, medical and assistive needs, as well as study materials.
She believes her story represents hope for girls, widows, and persons with disabilities who are often told they cannot achieve their dreams.“Investing in me means investing in thousands of mothers and children who will benefit from my service. I may be disabled, but I am not unable,” she says.She has pledged that any support received will be used transparently, with progress reports and academic updates provided to partners and donors.Those willing to support her journey can contact:Shakiro Justine – UgandaPhone: +256 775 804689
Email: shaky.just@gmail.comShakiro’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and determination — a reminder that challenges may slow a person down, but they do not have to end their purpose.
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