Noor!

Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.- Don Corleone” ― Mario Puzo, The Godfather . Friends are the relatives we make outside our blood lines, Noor was such a person when I joined CEHURD as a research assistant to the ED then who was writing his LLD. Noor at the time stayed not far from where I was staying in Kyanja and she would oftentimes  be kind to give me a lift back to Kyanja

Petition 16

Noor’s eldest daughter is fondly referred to as petition 16 because at the time of filing the petition at the constitutional court,Noor was pregnant with Faeha. There’s a stage named so in Kawempe and I am reminded of her when I pass by. A picture is on my mind when a pregnant Noor was leading other activists in pursuit of Maternal healthcare and Justice.

Petition 16 of 2011 was filed by the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) The petition challenged the government’s failure to provide essential maternal health services, arguing that this led to preventable maternal deaths and violated constitutional rights, including the right to life and health  The petition highlighted cases such as the deaths of Sylvia Nalubowa  in Mityana Hospital and Anguko Jennifer in Arua Regional Referral Hospital, both of whom died due to the lack of basic maternal health commodities and inadequate care from health workers. That picture must be at Chapter four Uganda so Noor time to go and take a selfie with it and remind yourself of the journey in activism and more so, maternal health rights.  Noor has quite taken the mantle along with others in ensuring that no mother should become a sad statistic of Preventable maternal death in Uganda and that is worth noting.

Dear Noor,

On this special day, I want to celebrate not just your birthday, but the incredible impact you’ve made in the fight for maternal health rights. Your unwavering dedication, your courage to speak for the voiceless, and your passion for ensuring safe motherhood inspire countless hearts. I’m mindful that the duty bearer is special and has priorities elsewhere but thank you for never giving up on the rights holders. Infact 2031 is the year Aisha Kabanda should take a bow and let you do your best for the people of Butambala

May this year bring you strength, joy, and the fulfillment of your dreams. The world is better because of you, and your work will forever be a beacon of hope for mothers everywhere. Regards , Roland