Emmanuel Bua is a registrar in surgery at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in eastern Uganda and an honorary lecturer in Surgery at Busitema University. Inspired by his mother, a nurse and midwife, he completed his medical school and residency in Mulago hospital under Makerere University in Kampala. He is a board certified member of the college of surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa. His interactions with patients in the USA and Netherlands have given him a clear perspective of the healthcare systems in developed economies. He has also worked with the underserved and impoverished communities of Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and Kenya where he has experienced first-hand the importance of the social determinants of health and the need for robust healthcare systems. Over the years of his practice he has learnt that illness and health are intricately intertwined with socioeconomic conditions. He therefore believes in advocacy for healthcare that goes beyond just offering medical care. This, he believes is possible through addressing systemic factors that contribute to illness and access to health. He believes in global partnerships, clinical and social research, community engagement and support as important tools for advocacy. He hopes to use the HEAL fellowship to further strengthen his passion for leadership and advocacy in healthcare. Outside of his work he enjoys reading, traveling, making friends, singing, dancing salsa and food. He is excited to join HEAL COHORT 2021-2023.