When Florence Lakot opened Shalom Medical Centre along the Kalongo–Kitgum road in early 2020, she wasn’t just starting a business — she was filling a gap in Uganda’s healthcare system.
In a community where hospital stockouts and high drug prices often put treatment out of reach, Florence saw an opportunity to make a difference.
“I saw people suffering because they couldn’t afford malaria treatment,” she says. “It broke my heart — I had to act.”
Today, Shalom Medical Centre has become a trusted healthcare hub for hundreds of families across Agago District.
Affordable Medicines, Compassionate Care
Shalom Medical Centre focuses on Class C essential medicines, providing safe, affordable, and high-quality drugs for common illnesses.
The pharmacy stocks:
- Antimalarials and antibiotics
- Painkillers and antipyretics
- Medicated cosmetics and health supplements
Florence runs her business according to the six rights of medication administration — ensuring every patient receives the right medicine, dose, time, route, and documentation.
Her guiding philosophy: “Healthcare should never be a privilege — it’s a human right.”
Growth Against the Odds
Starting with a humble capital of UGX 5 million, Florence faced numerous challenges — from limited financing to community scepticism.
But her perseverance paid off. In just two years, Shalom Medical Center’s value doubled, with stock now worth over UGX 10 million. The center employs six staff — four professionals and two support members — serving patients daily from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
“I feared failure at first,” Florence admits. “But every time I saw a child recover because of our medicine, I knew I was on the right path.”
Healing With Heart: Stories of Impact
Beyond business success, Florence measures her impact through lives touched.
- Mothers who can now afford malaria treatment for their children.
- Elderly patients who get pain relief without being overcharged.
- Young workers who recover faster and return to support their families.
She recalls one evening when a mother came in with a sick child but couldn’t pay for the full dose of Coartem. Florence gave her what she could afford and followed up — the child fully recovered.
“The joy on that mother’s face reminded me why I do this,” she smiles.
Overcoming Challenges With Integrity
Operating a medical business in rural Uganda isn’t without hurdles.
Common challenges include:
- High transport and logistics costs for drug restocking
- Limited cold chain for temperature-sensitive medicines
- Patients with little money seeking incomplete doses
- Skepticism from some who don’t understand the business
Despite these, Florence refuses to compromise her ethics:
“Even when profit is low, we must stay professional. Patients trust us — that trust is priceless.”
She’s now registering Shalom as a fully licensed pharmacy, aiming to expand services, introduce maternal and child healthcare, and support smaller rural drug shops through cooperative purchasing.
Collaboration for Wider Impact
Florence is part of a growing network of rural healthcare entrepreneurs across Northern Uganda — in Agago, Kitgum, Abim, and Pader.
Through digital communication (WhatsApp and email), they:
- Share supplier information
- Coordinate bulk orders
- Discuss drug safety and patient education
This collaborative approach shows how technology and teamwork can bridge healthcare gaps in remote regions.
Empowering Women, Inspiring Generations
Behind her business success is a deeply personal story.
Florence was once a teenage mother, struggling to raise her child and support her widowed mother. Today, her thriving business allows her to educate her daughter and employ others — breaking the cycle of poverty.
“Helping people makes me feel complete,” she says. “That’s the real reward.”
Her journey embodies the resilience and innovation of African women entrepreneurs — proving that with opportunity, local leaders can create lasting change.
Investing in Grassroots Healthcare: Why It Matters
Grassroots medical centers like Shalom are vital in Africa’s development story. They:
- Fill gaps in rural healthcare access
- Create local employment
- Empower women and youth
- Promote affordable, ethical healthcare
By supporting such initiatives, investors, NGOs, and individuals can directly strengthen Africa’s healthcare resilience — from the ground up.
Call to Action: Support Shalom Medical Center
You can help Shalom Medical Center grow and serve more families.
Here’s how you can support:
- Partner or donate to help Florence register a full pharmacy license and expand maternal health services.
- Invest in grassroots enterprises that drive real impact in African communities.
- Share this story to raise awareness about the power of local entrepreneurs in transforming healthcare.
“When we support local businesses,” Florence says, “we invest in the future of our communities — and our continent.”
Join the Movement
Help Florence Lakot continue her mission of healing and hope.
Your contribution — whether financial, technical, or advocacy — can save lives in Northern Uganda.
If Florence’s story inspires you, share this article with your network using the hashtags
#SupportShalom #InvestInAfrica #HealthcareForAll