Celebrating a successful health fair, meaningful patient connections, dedicated volunteers, and the power of community partnerships.
The Uganda North American Medical Society (UNAMS) proudly celebrates the success of its 2026 Health Fair, held during the Uganda North American Association (UNAA) Convention and Trade Expo in Denver, Colorado.
Building on the foundation established at the 2025 UNAA Convention in New Orleans, this year’s health fair marked a significant milestone in our efforts to improve access to preventive healthcare, promote health education, and strengthen connections within the Ugandan diaspora and the broader community.
Patient participation increased substantially, with attendance estimated at nearly four times that of the previous year’s health fair. While this growth reflects the increasing reach of our initiatives, the true measure of success lies in the meaningful connections established, the trust built, and the opportunity to provide compassionate, culturally responsive healthcare.
Comprehensive Health Screenings and Education
Throughout the health fair, volunteer healthcare professionals provided free screenings, individualized consultations, and health education addressing several important health concerns, including:
- Hypertension and cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Cholesterol and lipid disorders
- Obesity and obesity-related health conditions
- Oral and dental health
- General preventive health and lifestyle counseling
Patients received explanations of their screening results, guidance on managing risk factors, and recommendations for appropriate follow-up care when indicated. A limited supply of over-the-counter medications was also made available as appropriate.
Expanding Our Services: Dental Health
One of the most exciting additions to this year’s health fair was the introduction of dental services, expanding the scope of preventive healthcare available to participants.
Dr. Josephine Hayes-Birchler, DDS, a dentist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, generously volunteered her time and professional expertise to provide dental examinations, assessments, and oral health education. Her participation emphasized the important relationship between oral health and overall well-being.
We were also honored to welcome Dr. Catherine Bahumuza, a New Jersey-based neonatologist and founder of Addy Memorial Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Established in 2019, Addy Memorial Hospital reflects her commitment to improving healthcare access and service delivery in Uganda. Dr. Bahumuza’s participation brought valuable clinical expertise to the health fair and highlighted the important contributions of diaspora healthcare professionals to communities both in North America and Uganda.
The collaboration among physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and other volunteers allowed us to serve a growing number of patients while maintaining a personalized approach to care.
More Than Screenings: Healthcare That Listens and Understands
Perhaps the most powerful measure of the health fair’s success came from the patients themselves.
Several participants shared that this was the first time a healthcare professional had taken the time to listen carefully to their concerns, review their laboratory results in detail, and explain their health conditions in language they could understand.
For many, the experience was particularly meaningful because they were able to communicate with healthcare professionals who understood their language, cultural background, traditions, and beliefs.
This shared cultural understanding helped create an environment of trust, allowing patients to speak openly about their health concerns, ask questions, and participate more confidently in discussions about their care. Some patients expressed genuine surprise that such comprehensive and individualized services were being provided entirely free of charge.
Access to healthcare is not simply about making services available. It is also about ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, understood, and empowered.
For UNAMS, the Denver Health Fair was more than an opportunity to identify medical conditions. It was an opportunity to build trust, strengthen health literacy, and remind individuals that their health and well-being matter.
The People Behind the Success: Leadership, Teamwork, and Service
The Denver Health Fair was the result of months of preparation, coordination, and collaboration by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, volunteer leaders, and community members.
The initiative was coordinated through the UNAMS Community Engagement team, led by Dr. Agnes Nambiro-Kasolo, MD, Director of Community Engagement, working closely with Dr. Sarah Matovu, MD, Vice President of UNAMS, and the broader UNAMS leadership. Their collaborative approach brought together clinical expertise, organizational leadership, and community engagement to ensure the successful planning and execution of the event.
We also acknowledge Ms. Irene V. Nagitta, LLB, whose involvement as part of the UNAMS leadership team contributed to the broader organizational efforts supporting the initiative.
A particularly important contribution came from Mr. Steven Lwasa, Director of Information Technology and Communications, whose role extended far beyond technology and communications. Steven served as a vital coordinating force, connecting team members, helping resolve logistical challenges, and keeping the many moving parts of the initiative working together. His reliability, dedication, and willingness to step in wherever needed made him an indispensable part of the team.
Capturing the Moments That Matter
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Ben Birungi, who generously volunteered his time and photography skills to document UNAMS activities throughout the Denver convention.
From health screenings and volunteer interactions to the walkathon, award presentations, and other memorable moments, Ben helped capture the spirit of service, teamwork, and community that defined our experience.
His photographs provide more than a visual record of the event. They preserve the stories, dedication, and meaningful connections that made Denver 2026 special, allowing us to share these experiences with our community and inspire continued engagement in the UNAMS mission. We are deeply grateful for his generosity and commitment to documenting our work.
Volunteer Leaders Who Went Above and Beyond
Special recognition goes to five outstanding volunteer leaders: Grace Nabasabala, RN; Aisha Musoke-Mugga, AGACNP-BC; Lillian Kavuma, DNP; Mable Kunihira; and Sarah Bizzu Ageno, DNP.
These individuals were not simply volunteers who arrived on the day of the health fair. They were deeply involved in the planning, organization, coordination, and day-to-day practical work that made the event possible.
From managing supplies and coordinating volunteers to organizing patient services, troubleshooting challenges, and ensuring smooth operations, their contributions were integral to the health fair’s success. Their willingness to take responsibility, work collaboratively, and address challenges as they arose exemplified the spirit of service that defines UNAMS.
Our Dedicated Healthcare Professionals and Volunteers
We extend our sincere appreciation to the physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and community volunteers who contributed their time, skills, and resources. Among those who served were:
- Irene V. Nagitta, LLB
- Steven Lwasa — Director of Information Technology and Communications
- Judith Muganga-Tonda, MHA
- Sarah Bizzu Ageno, DNP
- Lillian Kavuma, DNP
- Dr. Josephine Hayes-Birchler, DDS
- Aisha Musoke-Mugga, AGACNP-BC
- Deborah Divine Serwadda, AGNP-BC
- Grace Nabasabala, RN
- Jalia Kizele, RN
- Theresa Kavuma
- Jonathan Kavuma
- Mable Kunihira
- Dr. Catherine Bahumuza — Neonatologist and Founder of Addy Memorial Hospital
This list is not exhaustive. Many additional returning and first-time volunteers contributed in equally meaningful ways, including through patient registration, direct clinical care, patient education, coordination, transportation, supply management, and behind-the-scenes support. We are deeply grateful to every individual who participated.
Of particular note was the commitment demonstrated by volunteers who continued working long after patient services had concluded, assisting with packing, cleanup, and the many final tasks necessary to bring the event to a successful close. Their dedication reminds us that successful community healthcare initiatives depend not only on medical knowledge but also on teamwork, generosity, and a genuine willingness to serve.
Get Fit With UNAMS: Inspiring Healthier Lifestyles
The Denver Convention also marked the exciting conclusion of the month-long Get Fit With UNAMS Challenge, an initiative designed to encourage regular physical activity, healthier lifestyle choices, and community engagement.
Throughout the challenge, participants committed themselves to becoming more physically active, demonstrating that meaningful improvements in health often begin with small, consistent steps. The challenge culminated in the recognition of participants and the presentation of medals during the convention’s closing celebrations.
The enthusiasm surrounding the awards made this one of the memorable highlights of the convention, reflecting the excitement with which the community embraced the initiative.
The health fair was also complemented by the UNAMS Walkathon, held during the convention, bringing participants together in a shared celebration of movement, wellness, and community spirit. Walkathon participants and challenge winners were recognized for their achievements, reinforcing the message that every effort toward better health deserves encouragement.
Special appreciation goes to Lillian Kavuma, DNP, whose leadership and dedication helped advance these physical activity initiatives. Together, the Get Fit Challenge and Walkathon reinforced an important UNAMS message: preventive healthcare extends beyond the clinic and into the everyday choices we make. Every step counts.
Building Connections and Strengthening Professional Networks
Beyond providing direct patient services, the Denver Health Fair created valuable opportunities for collaboration among healthcare professionals and community organizations.
Returning patients reconnected with familiar healthcare providers, while new participants established relationships with professionals who understood their unique health concerns and cultural experiences.
The event also brought together healthcare professionals from different specialties, institutions, and geographic locations, creating opportunities for professional networking, knowledge exchange, and future collaboration. These relationships are important to the long-term vision of UNAMS as we continue building a network of healthcare professionals committed to improving health outcomes within underserved communities.
Acknowledging Our Community Partners and Supporters
The success of the Denver Health Fair was made possible not only through the dedication of our healthcare professionals and volunteers but also through the generosity and collaboration of organizations that share our commitment to accessible community healthcare.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Baton Rouge General Health System for its generous donation in support of the health fair. We particularly thank Mr. Jesse Harrison, Operations and Community Leadership Fellow, for his encouragement, engagement, and expressed interest in exploring opportunities for future community partnerships.
We are equally grateful to First Choice Primary Care in Macon, Georgia, for its valued support of the health fair and contribution to this important community health initiative.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) for its partnership and collaboration in making the health fair possible during the annual convention and trade expo. We extend special thanks to UNAA President Mr. Lambert Etibot and the broader UNAA leadership team for their support and commitment to initiatives that promote the health and well-being of our community.
The collaboration between UNAMS and UNAA demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when healthcare professionals, institutions, and community organizations work together toward shared goals. These partnerships are invaluable as UNAMS continues to expand its outreach, strengthen its programs, and explore new opportunities to serve.
Recognizing Service and Commitment
The Denver Convention also provided an opportunity for UNAMS to celebrate the dedication of individuals who have consistently supported its mission. Returning and first-time volunteers were recognized for their contributions, while special appreciation was extended to individuals whose leadership and service have helped advance UNAMS initiatives.
These recognitions were more than ceremonial gestures. They reflected our appreciation for the time, effort, and personal sacrifices that meaningful community service often requires.
Behind every successful health fair are individuals who make phone calls, organize supplies, coordinate transportation, recruit volunteers, solve unexpected problems, and quietly perform countless tasks necessary to bring an event to life. Their contributions deserve to be acknowledged, celebrated, and remembered.
Looking Ahead: Building on the Momentum
The remarkable response to the Denver Health Fair has strengthened our commitment to expanding UNAMS community health initiatives. As we reflect on the lessons learned and the relationships established, we remain focused on improving the accessibility, quality, and cultural responsiveness of the healthcare services we provide.
Our future efforts will emphasize strengthening partnerships, expanding preventive health education, engaging additional healthcare professionals, and creating sustainable opportunities for community outreach. We also look forward to building on the momentum generated by the Get Fit With UNAMS Challenge and Walkathon, encouraging healthier lifestyles throughout the year.
As preparations begin for future UNAMS activities, including the 2027 UNAA Convention in Georgia, we invite healthcare professionals, community organizations, supporters, and volunteers to join us in advancing this important mission.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To every patient who entrusted us with their health concerns, thank you. To every volunteer who generously gave their time, expertise, and energy, thank you. To our leaders, partners, donors, and supporters who helped make this initiative possible, thank you. And to the broader community that welcomed and embraced our efforts, we are deeply grateful.
The Denver 2026 Health Fair demonstrated what is possible when compassion, professional expertise, cultural understanding, and community collaboration come together.
At UNAMS, we believe that quality healthcare should be accessible, compassionate, and respectful of every individual’s dignity and cultural identity. Together, we are building healthier, more informed, and more empowered communities.
UNAMS — To treat. To teach. To empower.
Photography acknowledgment: Special thanks to Mr. Ben Birungi, Volunteer Photographer, for documenting UNAMS activities throughout the Denver 2026 Convention and Trade Expo.
More Than Screenings: Healthcare That Listens and Understands
Perhaps the most powerful measure of the health fair’s success came from the patients themselves.
Several participants shared that this was the first time a healthcare professional had taken the time to listen carefully to their concerns, review their laboratory results in detail, and explain their health conditions in language they could understand.
More Than Screenings: Healthcare That Listens and Understands
Perhaps the most powerful measure of the health fair’s success came from the patients themselves.
Several participants shared that this was the first time a healthcare professional had taken the time to listen carefully to their concerns, review their laboratory results in detail, and explain their health conditions in language they could understand.
