Keeping the Community Healthy
Why We Are Here
The clinic opens from Monday to Friday for anyone who seeks medical attention, and 24/7 for emergencies.
In Butoto subcounty, a remote mountainous area of Mount Elgon, the closest hospital is 2 hours away, separated by treacherous mountains without any streets.
There are over 3200 children under the age of 15 who do not have access to child immunizations, people die every day from preventable diseases, and mothers deliver their babies at home.
The construction of the Zion Clinic in the heart of this region was a joint effort between humanitarian volunteers and the members of the village.
Now, people of Butoto subcounty have access to quality health care by trained staff and are able to receive lifesaving care at Zion Clinic regularly.
Our History
The clinic first opened in 2012. Two women ran the clinic for a few days a week, until they unfortunately left without a trace in 2015.
The clinic officially reopened in 2016, when our very own Mirriam took it upon herself to help those in need of medical attention. She had no medical education and worked day and night to gain the knowledge needed to run the clinic to the best of her abilities.
In 2018, we were fortunate enough to have our chief officer, Peter, join the team and have been able to offer advanced treatment to our patients ever since.
In 2021, the first volunteer joined our team and many have followed. We hope to welcome more volunteers in the future, no matter their profession. Not only do the volunteers help to carry out the daily tasks in the clinic, they also contribute with highly valued new perspectives and ideas for the community.
We are forever grateful to all who have supported us on this journey and to those who continue to support us in the future.
Our History
Life At The Clinic
For those that are able to reach the clinic by foot, we offer normal inpatient care. In severe cases or for elders, we offer outpatient care to the best of our resources.
On a daily basis, we receive patients with illnesses of all kinds, the most common being malaria, hypertension, diabetes, gastric ulcers, respiratory tract infections and UTIs.
There are also occasionally cases of typhoid, syphilis, HIV and severe acute malnutrition. And as in any clinic, many others…
Occasionally, we host medical camps for ophthalmological, dental, surgical or women’s health consultations.
Furthermore, we provide care for the albino children of our community. We reach out to the families to inform them about albinism and support the children with the needed treatment and supplies.
Current Challenges
Every week, we see more and more patients as the community is becoming aware of the services of the Zion Clinic and we are glad to see an overall improvement in their health.
Despite this success, the Zion Clinic is facing great financial stress. Patients pay a cost-share if able, however most of them struggle to meet basic needs like food, clean water, and adequate housing.
The other source of funds comes from donations and our community projects. Unfortunately, these sources are currently not enough to sustain the clinic.
Zion clinic is in immediate need of additional resources to continue operations.
With your support, we hope to continue to help those in need and see our health center grow. With your donations, you can support our clinic immediately. Or maybe you want to help us becoming more self sustainable? Then have a look at our Posho Mill Project.
Meet Our Medical Team
Dr. Peter Wanzala
I work as the director of Zion Medical Clinic. I have a medical training and training in leadership skills.
My passion is to serve the unserved and disadvantaged people in hard to reach communities. My vision is to create a conducive environment for like minded people with compassion for the disadvantaged and enable to fulfill their heart´s desires of serving vulnerable communities.
Dr. Henry Wamboka
I am a medical doctor that graduated from Kampala International University, holding bachelors degrees in Medicine and Surgery. I work in Bududa hospital which is under the District’s Local Government. In addition, I work with much passion for Zion Clinic, where I offer voluntary services to those in need.
Robert Walyambaka
I am a laboratory technician, who graduated from Chemiquip Medical Laboratory Training School in Kampala, right now working under Bududa Local Government and since the start of the Zion Medical Clinic I work here as a volunteer.
Mirriam Oketch Nasikye
I am a social worker by profession. I am among the founders of Zion and have been volunteering here since 2015. To me, Zion is like my first born child as I have nurtured Zion to the stage where it is today.
I am working here as a human resource manager and as a cook and care taker for our dear volunteers. I volunteerly take care of all the above because I love to give local people a chance for a brighter future. I am grateful for all the help and volunteers that share our love for the people.
Rose Mutuwa Wakyaya
I am a final year medical student doing a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Kampala International Univesity, Klestern campus, Bushenyi, Uganda.
During my recess, I volunteer at this great Zion Medical Clinic at the pharmacy section. I am passionate about helping the community of Zion Medical Clinic and my best moments are seeing our patients walk away with improved health.
I enjoy the interaction and cooperation in the staff at the Zion Medical Clinic and greatly appreciate all the gracious donations that our visitors bring to support clinic activities.
I look forward to the progress and growth of ZMC as it spreads a smile on the community.
I am pleased to be part of a community of health professionals that whole-heartedly give back to the community around ZMC.
Shaluwa Namuboke
I am a certified midwife, who studied at Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) under the Faculty of Health.
As a dedicated, result orientated individual, I understand the value of hard work and working under pressure, which I can easily implement in everyday work at Zion. I also respect every individual and I am empathetic with those in need.
I started to volunteer at Zion Community Medical Clinic in February 2023, and I enjoy my time here very much!
