Passing of Dr. Martin Situma

Dear CHESA Community,

Dr. Martin Situma, a Pediatric Surgeon at Mbarara University Hospital in southwestern Uganda, tragically passed on July 21, 2022, leaving behind a loving wife, Dr. Liz, and their six young children: Samuel, Emmanuel, Nathaniel, Gabriella, Seth, and Solomon.

Martin spent his life serving Ugandan children and families, training new surgeons and working tirelessly to bring hope and healing to those in low-resource areas. He built a unit and developed a service from the ground up. He was an exceptionally skilled and dedicated surgeon, devoted teacher, tireless advocate, consummate servant leader, humble with great integrity, and a true pioneer for pediatric surgery in rural Uganda and Africa. His direct efforts saved or altered the lives of tens of thousands of children.

Through his career Martin was a close collaborator with many non-profit organizations such as Bethany Kids (whose work he led in Uganda) Kids OR, and many other universities and professional associations.

Martin was also a loving husband and father, sibling, and pillar in his family. As Martin spent his life helping others, join us to return the favor by supporting his young family, who are now suddenly without a father.

At the request of Martin’s wife, donations raised through GoFundMe will be used directly to help fund the completion of their family home and ensure the children have the resources they need. Please consider contributing to honor of Dr. Situma and all that he has done for African children and families. You may also make a donation through Bethany Kids here.

You can learn more about Dr. Situma’s work here, read the tribute from the Pan African Pediatric Surgery Association, or see the moving memorial service in his honor. He will be missed dearly.

Many thanks,

Doruk Ozgediz