A New Mission: End-of-Life Care for Aging Nuns in Uganda
A pioneering pilot program has been launched to provide hospice and palliative care to aging nuns in Uganda, directly addressing a critical lack of resources for retired members of religious orders across Africa.
Background
The initiative began after Sister Jane Frances Nakafeero of the Little Sisters of St. Francis in Nkokonjeru, Uganda, raised urgent concerns about the care of elderly nuns at a 2023 meeting of the African Palliative Care Association. Jean Callahan, former chair of the Irish Hospice Foundation, heard her appeal. Together, they launched a program with the African Palliative Care Association to provide comprehensive palliative care to retired sisters.
Current Conditions at the Convent
The convent currently houses 14 retired sisters. While morning prayers begin the day, many nuns have severely limited activities.
"There are seven wheelchairs for about ten nuns with mobility issues, and the wheelchairs are in poor condition."
Caregivers are few, and qualified nurses are scarce. Many nuns report feeling profound loneliness and a stark lack of stimulation.
Program Details
Launched in September 2025, the program aims to deliver:
- Medical care tailored to end-of-life needs
- Material support, including adult diapers, wheelchairs, and blankets
- Psychological support and organized activities for retired nuns
- Training for younger nuns who serve as primary caregivers
Researchers, led by African Palliative Care Association director Eve Namisango, are currently assessing the needs of approximately 50 retired sisters. Caregiver training is expected to follow, with a goal of rolling out palliative care in Ugandan convents by 2027 and eventually across Africa.
Funding and Scope
The program is funded by an anonymous Irish donor. Campaigners are seeking approximately $135,000 to sustain the remainder of the initiative.
According to the Vatican, there are some 82,000 nuns in Africa. The association estimates that 8,000–10,000 may need end-of-life care.
Statements of Commitment
Callahan expressed fierce determination, stating she is "bloody determined" to see the program succeed. Nakafeero noted the deep personal significance of the work, having cared for her own father at the end of his life.
Kristina Newport, chief medical officer at the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, emphasized that palliative care is about adapting to new circumstances at the end of life, regardless of location or profession.
The Vatican did not respond to requests for comment on responsibility for retired female religious orders.