The first Catholic founded hospital in Uganda; the Uganda Martyrs Hospital Lubaga has pulled experts in the medical field, religious leaders, friends and well-wishers to her 125th anniversary celebrations since its establishment by the White Sisters in 1899.

The White Sisters who are part of the White Fathers were called to Uganda to help in the medial apostolate by Rt. Rev. Henri Streicher in 1899, a French Catholic Missionary Bishop who served as Vicar Apostolic of Northern Victoria Nyanza from 1897 to 1933.

The hospital has since grown to a level of a Regional Referral Hospital offering general and specialized medical and surgical/gynaecological services as per the Ministry of Health standards in Uganda.

At a colourful ceremony held at the Lubaga Hospital Specialized Wing, the Management has pleaded with the Government through the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja who graced the occasion to waive taxes on medical equipment.

While delivering his speech at the 125 year jubilee anniversary, the Lubaga Hospital Board Chairman Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa noted that the huge taxes have hindered the procurement of good quality machines to offer services in the hospital.

He says Lubaga Hospital has the capacity to offer quality medical services of all nature but it is restricted by the equipment which can be purchased but restricted due to the huge taxes.

He further requests the Government to include Lubaga Hospital staff on the beneficiaries of medical scholarships offered to hospitals so that their health officers wishing to upgrade also benefit.

In her response, before reading President Museveni’s speech, the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja assured the Lubaga Hospital Management that their issues will be addressed to the President and believes that they will be responded to positively.

By Ben Musanje

22 Nov 2024  

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