Losing both parents before the age of 13 could have ended her dreams. But through resilience, faith, and the kindness of strangers, Dr Lucia Amaniyo Mukiibi rose to become a paediatrician and founder of Amani Children’s Clinic, the only dedicated children’s hospital serving communities between Namungona and Wakiso. Our writer Nicolas Akasula shares her story.
The name Amani carries multiple meanings across languages—peace, love, and strength, and also happens to be a shortened form of her name.
Early life, loss
Amaniyo’s father died when she was only three years old. Raised by her mother, a biology teacher in Bunamwaya, she grew up in a modest household.
“When my mother passed away just after I turned 13, I was left with no immediate family to turn to. God came through! I was later adopted by a family in Buganda,” she recalls. She attributes this to her mother’s prayerfulness.
Although she grew up as an only child, she later discovered she had a half-sister who now lives in London.
Despite her struggles, Amaniyo excelled academically. At Kitebi Primary School, she scored four aggregates in PLE, earning a scholarship to Namagunga. “I was told I was the first to ever score 4 in 4 aggregates there,” she gladly says. From Namagunga, she proceeded to Makerere University for medical school, again on government sponsorship.
Inspiration to become a doctor
Her choice of career was deeply personal.
“As an only child, I nursed my mother when she was sick. I loved her so much that I imagined I would fall into her grave if she died,” she says.
When her mother passed away, Amaniyo only learnt of it two weeks later, a painful memory she still carries.
Her education nearly ended due to lack of school fees, but classmates once pooled their pocket money to cover her balance. Later, a benefactor cleared her arrears and supported her through secondary school. “That was my first miracle,” she says.
First steps in medicine
After medical school, Amaniyo completed her internship at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where she was recognised as one of the best paediatric interns and retained on staff.
But a trip to Nakasajja changed her outlook. “I had a terrible headache and couldn’t even find Panadol in the whole town. I realised this was an underserved community,” she explains.
This led her to establish Dr Lucy’s Medical Clinic, a social enterprise offering affordable care. Though modest, the clinic grew steadily, and in 2017 she was selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow at the University of Iowa.
“That was my first formal training in entrepreneurship. Before that, I was simply treating patients without proper systems in place,” she says.
She returned to Uganda with new skills, introducing annual free medical camps with fellow doctors.
Founding Amani
The Covid-19 pandemic forced her first clinic to close. But the setback paved the way for something bigger. After an exchange programme at the University of Minnesota, where she visited children’s hospitals, Amaniyo returned home determined to start a specialised paediatric facility.
Together with her long-time friend, now husband, she established Amani Children’s Clinic.
Today, the clinic operates 24 hours a day, admits up to 10 children, and is the only children’s clinic serving areas from Namungona to Wakiso.
Strong systems, faith
Having learnt from past mistakes, Amaniyo built Amani with strong foundations.
“We have clear HR, financial, and operational systems. Salaries are always paid on time, we offer refresher courses, and our doctors participate in monthly continuous medical education,” she explains.
Her husband manages HR, while another director oversees finance.
Faith is also at the heart of Amani. “Almost 80 per cent of our workforce is born again. We put God at the centre of everything we do,” she affirms. She explains that she prays with her team before work starts, a routine that has kept them grounded together.
Challenges, gratitude
Running a clinic in Uganda comes with challenges. “Heavy taxation and unreliable power are major issues. At one point, power fluctuations destroyed machines worth millions,” she notes.
Yet she remains grateful, to God, to her supportive husband, and to her dedicated team.
“He is always encouraging me, never threatened by my achievements,” she says.
Message of hope
Looking back, Amaniyo hopes her journey will inspire others.
“If I, a total orphan at 13, can rise to become Managing Director of a children’s clinic, then God can uplift anyone. I want people to draw closer to Him and accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Anything is possible,” she concludes.
