Msgr. John Baptist Kauta, Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, has drawn attention to the financial challenges faced by the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB), revealing that local income for the Uganda Catholic Secretariat (UCS) only covers 31% of its operations.
This shortfall has been exacerbated by the recent decision of the U.S. President to terminate funding for USAID, a key contributor to healthcare organizations like UCMB.
In his address at the two-day Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB) Annual Health Assembly, Msgr. Kauta stressed the urgency of diversifying funding sources to ensure the sustainability of healthcare services.
He also emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in overcoming these challenges.
Msgr. Kauta acknowledged the spiritual aspect of healthcare, noting that faith and blessings play a crucial role in the success of healthcare workers and patients alike.
He encouraged the audience to embrace both successes and failures, fostering resilience and a culture of learning in the healthcare journey.
Furthermore, Msgr. Kauta highlighted that the success of UCMB, which manages nearly 300 medical facilities, is rooted in collective effort and teamwork, rather than individual achievements.
He called for a holistic approach to healthcare, one that addresses not only the physical but also the emotional and spiritual well-being of patients, in line with the values of faith and community.
By Ben Musanje
26th Mar, 2025
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