Dr. Lucy Amaniyo of Uganda is a distinguished pediatrician and dynamic entrepreneur whose work has transformed pediatric healthcare in underserved communities. With a master’s degree in pediatrics and child health from Makerere University (2021), an electives placement at the University of Minnesota (2020), and a master of public health from Makerere University (2020), her career is a testament to an unwavering commitment to improving children's health and entrepreneurship.

Amaniyo is the recipient of the 2024 International Business Entrepreneurship Impact Award and will be recognized at the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Honors event Oct. 11. 

Amaniyo’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2017 when she was a Mandela Washington Fellow at the University of Iowa. During this Fellowship, she won the Fellowship pitch competition, which laid the foundation for her future endeavors. The grand prize from this competition enabled her to organize her first medical clinic, Dr. Lucy's Medical Clinic, in Nakasajja, marking the beginning of her impactful community service.

In 2022, leveraging her experience and insights gained from participating in Venture School during the Fellowship and subsequent ventures, Amaniyo founded Amani Children's Clinic in Nansana. This clinic, the first of its kind in the area, established itself as the leading provider of specialized pediatric services, addressing the needs of a rapidly growing population. Amaniyo's innovative approach, which includes 24/7 service availability, accepting e-payments and going 90% paperless, and offering an in-house insurance policy, has set Amani Children's Clinic apart as a trusted and accessible healthcare provider that offers tailor-made solutions to community need.

Amaniyo’s entrepreneurial spirit is matched by her commitment to community service. She has organized numerous medical camps, providing free consultations, laboratory tests, and medications to thousands of patients. These initiatives have not only improved healthcare access, but also fostered trust and collaboration within the community, significantly reducing the need for referrals to distant hospitals. Amani Children’s Clinic has strategically established key partnerships with various industry leaders, including insurance companies and pharmaceutical and laboratory suppliers, and has also collaborated with five local schools, auxiliary service providers, and private hospitals, further solidifying the clinic’s role as the premier pediatric care provider in the region. 

Amaniyo's vision and leadership have not only revolutionized pediatric care in Uganda, but also created a sustainable healthcare model that prioritizes community needs. Her work continues to inspire and impact the lives of many, making her a true leader in both healthcare and entrepreneurship.