Nurses Exhibition - Honoring Uganda's Nursing Pioneers

This exhibition explores the historical significance of nursing, a profession deeply connected to themes of gender, race, and health. It aims to highlight the contributions of trailblazing nurses and midwives who have paved the way for today's practitioners.

The Diaspora Uganda Nurses Midwives Society (DUNMS) is hosting this exhibition to shape the future of nursing and inspire younger generations to see it as an appealing career option. Despite nursing's vital role in global healthcare, the profession still struggles to articulate its impact on public health, making it essential to attract new talent to this field.

This landmark exhibition, occurring during the international celebration of Nurses and Midwives Week 2025, will pay tribute to renowned nurse leaders in Uganda, likened to the esteemed figures of Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale. Originally slated for 2020, the event was rescheduled due to the pandemic.

Aims and objectives of the Nurses' exhibition:

1. Enhance the recognition of nursing and explain its crucial impact on national health.
2. Celebrate the history and contributions of pioneering nurses and midwives prior to 1990.
3. Reflect on the importance of legacy in the nursing profession.
4. Learn from the inspiring stories of nursing pioneers.
5. Illustrate the significance of museums in preserving nursing history.
6. Encourage younger individuals to pursue careers in nursing and midwifery.

International Key Guest - Professor Laura Serrant CBE PhD

Professor Serrant is a distinguished expert in leadership development and inclusive healthcare practices, recognized globally for her contributions. As a practicing nurse and professional speaker, she leads her own consulting firm and serves as Chair for The Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Her research work, including the innovative ‘The Silences Framework,’ highlights often-overlooked aspects of patient experiences.

With a career focused on enhancing health equity, Professor Serrant collaborates with government bodies and organizations worldwide to amplify the voices of marginalized communities in health policy. Her insights are drawn from over four decades in healthcare, education, and workforce development.

A prolific author, she has published more than 100 academic pieces and has received multiple accolades, including recognition as one of the most influential Black individuals in the UK. Notably, she has been honored with Fellowships from prestigious nursing organizations.

Her notable poem, ‘You Called...And We Came,’ commemorates significant events in UK history and is inscribed on the National Windrush Monument. With her rich heritage from Dominica, Professor Serrant’s involvement in the exhibition promises to deepen the appreciation of nursing pioneers in advancing the profession and improving national health.