I was born and grew up in Kampala, Uganda Africa. My cultural background has always been part of me and shaped who I am and my identity.  I’m Protestant by religion. I’m married to my husband with the same beliefs and we both belief in a creator God which helps to guide us in life. I have been exposed to global cultures but still the fundamental element of my culture shines my identity and pride.  In Uganda we have different tribes, I’m from the Baganda tribe which is a Bantu speaker and my language is Luganda. All Bantu speakers can understand each other’s language although they use various dialects. Uganda was colonized by the Britain and, English is the language of colonial administration.  After independence, it became the official language, used in government, commerce, radio, television and education. Official publications and most major newspapers are in English.  Most people produced their own food and are able to eat two meals a day lunch and supper. Breakfast is often a cup of tea or porridge. Meals are prepared by women and girls and as I was growing up men and boys aged twelve and above were banned in the kitchen, which is separate from the main house. Our Popular dishes is matoke (a staple made from bananas), cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes, chicken and beef stews, and freshwater fish,  yams, corn, cabbage, pumpkin, tomatoes, peas, beans, groundnuts (peanuts), goat meat. Oranges, papayas, lemons, and pineapples.  I have been away from my country for 43 years, but I still have the taste for these foods. Agriculture is the most important sector of our economy. My country has been through several civil wars which have contributed to economy issues and 55% of population live below poverty.  Uganda has an army, a navy, and an air force.  Army recruitment is voluntary, men and women serve and there is no fixed term of service.

Family is important a young man or woman is expected to get married and have children.  In Uganda we have economic challenges and because of this we keep our extended families close.  Families assist each other with education, health care bills, food or anything. Men mostly have the authority in the family household tasks are divided among women and older girls. Women are economically dependent on the male (husband, father, or brother). Dependence on men deprives women of influence in family and community matters and ties them to male relationships for sustenance and the survival of their children (everyculture.com, 2023).   Comparing this to the first world, most women do not like it. And this brings up the debate in our communities here in America that when African or Ugandan women come to America they change and behave like men. The members of the household eat together. Visitors and neighbors who drop in are expected to join the family at a meal. Normally a short prayer is said before the family starts eating. During the meal, children talk only when asked a question. It is considered impolite to leave the room while others are eating. Leaning on the left hand or stretching one’s legs at a meal is a sign of disrespect. When the meal is finished, everyone in turn gives a compliment to the mother. In western culture you could call it table manners. I have been well versed in understanding other people’s cultures, I do value and respect that and how they influence nursing care. This way it is easier while performing a nursing assessment about family.  The 12 domains comprising the organizing framework are briefly described along with the primary and secondary characteristics of culture, which determine variations in values, beliefs, and practices of an individual’s cultural heritage. All health care providers in any practice setting can use the model, which makes it especially desirable in today’s team-oriented health care environment (Purnell, 2002).

ANSWER

Embracing My Cultural Heritage: A Reflection on Ugandan Identity and Nursing Care

Growing up in Kampala, Uganda, my cultural background has profoundly shaped my identity and perspective. As a proud member of the Baganda tribe, my roots are entrenched in the rich tapestry of Ugandan traditions and values. My Protestant faith, shared with my husband, provides us with a moral compass guided by a creator God. While I’ve been exposed to global cultures, my cultural foundation remains steadfast, influencing not only who I am but also my approach to nursing care.

The diverse tribes of Uganda, united by a common heritage, foster a sense of belonging and pride. My mother tongue, Luganda, connects me to my roots, while English, inherited from colonial times, has become the language of official communication. Traditional dishes like matoke, cassava, and stews evoke nostalgic memories, even after 43 years away from my homeland. Agriculture remains central to our economy, though marred by civil conflicts that have contributed to economic struggles and poverty.

Family holds paramount importance in Ugandan society. Marriage and parenthood are expected, and extended families offer unwavering support in times of economic hardship. While gender roles are defined, there’s an ongoing debate between Ugandan women living abroad adapting to more egalitarian cultures and those who adhere to traditional roles.

Ugandan dining rituals reflect our values of respect and togetherness. Prayers precede meals, and leaving during a meal or improper table manners signify disrespect. These practices underscore the significance of family bonds and communal harmony.

In the realm of healthcare, cultural awareness is imperative. The Purnell Model’s twelve domains provide a comprehensive framework to understand diverse cultural backgrounds, impacting values, beliefs, and practices. Utilizing this model enhances nursing assessments, enabling a deeper understanding of family dynamics, cultural values, and the individual’s unique context.

The journey from Uganda to the United States has enriched my cultural sensitivity. I recognize and respect the value of diverse cultures, especially within nursing care. This understanding enriches my interactions with patients from various backgrounds, fostering a patient-centered approach that respects their values and beliefs.

In conclusion, my Ugandan heritage remains an integral part of my identity, influencing my worldview and nursing practice. The Baganda tribe’s traditions, family-centered values, and unique dining customs have ingrained in me a deep appreciation for culture’s role in shaping individual lives. The Purnell Model serves as a guide, empowering me to provide holistic and culturally sensitive nursing care that respects and embraces the diverse backgrounds of the patients I serve.