Namulema Mujadid Mariam is a highly dedicated and visionary development professional with a strong background in public health, nutrition, and organizational leadership.

She currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at a non-governmental organization devoted to improving the livelihoods of vulnerable groups, including women,children, and marginalized communities across Uganda. With a proven track record in both the health and non-profit sectors, Mariam is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, community-driven solutions that address poverty, food insecurity, and inequality.

Mariam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Kyambogo University, Uganda. Where she built a strong foundation in nutrition science, public health, and community-based interventions. Her academic background, coupled with her hands-onexperience, has positioned her as a strong advocate for sustainable health and development initiatives, particularly those that emphasize the nutritional and socio-economic well-being of underrepresented populations.

Before stepping into her current leadership role, Mariam worked with Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation, a leading health organization focused on improving the lives of children and families affected by HIV/AIDS and other health challenges. There, she played a vital role in supporting nutrition-related programs, community health education, and family-centered care.

Her ability to communicate complex health information in accessible ways helped empower caregivers and improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable children in the country.

As COO, Mariam plays a central role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, aligning programmatic efforts with strategic goals, and ensuring the effective delivery of services to the communities they serve.

She is instrumental in designing and implementing projects that focus on community empowerment, economic development, food and nutrition security, and access to basic healthcare. Her leadership style is inclusive, collaborative, and driven by a deep belief in human dignity and social justice.

She later joined China-Uganda Friendship Hospital Naguru as a clinical nutritionist, where she worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. At Naguru, she provided nutritional assessment, counselling, and support to patients dealing with a range of medical conditions — from malnutrition and chronic illness to maternal health and lifestyle-related diseases. Her experience in a government referral hospital further deepened her understanding of Uganda’s healthcare system.

Beyond her operational responsibilities, Mariam is passionate about advocacy and capacity-building. She works closely with local leaders, donors, and grassroots organizations to ensure that interventions are contextually appropriate, sustainable, and community-owned. Her ability to balance strategic oversight with empathy and field-based experience makes her a respected figure among peers and partners alike.

Mariam’s vision is rooted in creating equitable opportunities for all, especially those who have historically been left behind. Through her continued efforts, she hopes to influence policies and practices that strengthen health systems, enhance livelihoods, and create lastingchange in the lives of the most vulnerable.