Dorah Mwima Barrak is a woman whose journey from Miss Uganda to maternal health champion embodies grit, and purpose.
As a trained doula, mother of six, and founder of a maternal wellness and birth center, Dorah has become a powerful voice for women in labor and postpartum care. She has stood beside countless mothers during their most vulnerable moments—advocating for dignity, respect, and compassionate care.
A petition is circulating on social media calling for the appointment of Dorah Mwima Barrak as Minister or Advisor for Women in Labor. Matooke Republic contacted Dorah for an interview about the issue and her journey in advocating for better maternal health.
How do you feel about the call for your appointment as Minister or Advisor for Mothers in Labor in Uganda?
I have set up this campaign because it’s more than a title. It’s a responsibility to the mothers of this country. Mothers in labor deserve more than survival; they deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe this will be a powerful opportunity to create systems that value and protect motherhood at every stage.
What key policies or initiatives would you prioritize if given this national leadership role in maternal health?
My top priorities would be ensuring respectful maternity care in all public and private facilities, increasing access to skilled birth support including midwives and doulas, improving emergency transport systems for laboring mothers, expanding maternal mental health services postpartum, supporting policies that allow male involvement and birth companionship, and investing in the training, welfare, and support of maternal healthcare workers who are often overworked and underappreciated.
Based on your experience as a doula and founder of a maternal wellness center, what are the most urgent needs of Ugandan mothers during childbirth?
Three key needs stand out: respectful and informed care—mothers want to be treated with dignity, not fear or shame; supportive environments where they are not rushed or left alone, especially during labor—they want their voices to be heard during the most vulnerable time of their lives; and access to quality care, including timely medical attention when complications arise and culturally appropriate alternatives like birth preparation education and postpartum care.
How do you think your personal journey as a mother of six has shaped your perspective on maternal health advocacy?
Each of my births taught me something different about strength, vulnerability, resilience, and the gaps in our systems. Being a mother of six has given me a deeply personal lens and the drive to ensure that every woman is empowered, regardless of her story. I advocate not just as a professional but as someone who’s been there, who understands the fears, joys, and silent battles mothers face.
What systemic challenges have you encountered in your work that you believe need urgent attention at the national level?
Disrespect and neglect in maternity wards, understaffing and overworking of healthcare workers, lack of male inclusion in birth preparation and support, inaccessible and poor-quality maternal health services for low-income families, and limited awareness of evidence-based care and birth options, including VBAC.
What role can community members—especially men and leaders—play in ensuring safer, more dignified childbirth experiences for women across Uganda?
Men and leaders can be game-changers. When men are informed and involved, outcomes improve. Communities can encourage fathers to attend antenatal visits and provide support during labor, educate leaders to allocate resources for maternal care, normalize conversations about birth and postpartum challenges, and champion respectful, woman-centered maternity care at every level.
Conclusion
As public support grows for her potential appointment to national leadership in maternal health, Dorah’s vision remains clear: every mother deserves dignity, informed care, and a system that truly listens.
