Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged wealthy Ugandans to invest in public health, saying greater private sector participation would help close gaps in access to specialised medical services.
Mayiga made the call while officiating at the grand opening of Peoples Medical Centre in Gayaza, Wakiso.
“I have liked this hospital because it is highly specialised, with modern medical equipment and highly qualified specialists in different departments. I call upon wealthy Ugandans to diversify their investments into the health sector as they have done in other businesses,” Mayiga said.
He was accompanied by Buganda kingdom officials, including social services minister Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko and information minister Israel Kitooke.
Mayiga noted that there are few hospitals of this standard in Uganda, leaving a significant gap in the provision of specialised care.
He also raised concern about lifestyle-related illnesses, attributing rising cases of diabetes and stroke to poor diet, lack of exercise, inadequate rest and failure to attend routine medical check-ups.
“People must create time for rest, entertainment and holidays. Even God rested after creation. Resting is medicine,” he said.
Mayiga emphasised that increased investment in health would create jobs for medical professionals and ease pressure on government facilities struggling with labour shortages and rising patient numbers.
“Those with money should invest in the health sector to fill the gaps left by government,” he said.
He described medicine as a calling and urged health workers at the new facility to prioritise compassionate and professional care.
Mayiga commended the hospital’s director, Dr Frank Nduga, for his service to the Buganda kingdom in various health-related roles.
“The main reason I came here is to thank you for your dedicated service to the kingdom, though the hospital also brought me,” he said, adding that the kingdom’s development pillar, Situla Omutindo, depends on hardworking and quality-driven individuals.
He urged Kabaka’s subjects and Ugandans at large to prioritise quality assurance in all sectors to improve living standards.
Dr Nduga said the hospital, which started as a small facility, has grown significantly over the years. He revealed that it has handled 840 deliveries, supported by incubators for premature babies, and provided 60,000 outpatient services.
The hospital also offers ear, nose and throat services and administers 3,360 immunisations annually against six killer vaccine-preventable diseases.
Nduga said the facility registers an average of 12 admissions per month in its intensive care unit and provides painless delivery services, family card management, a fully stocked pharmacy and X-ray services.
He added that the hospital has attracted four paediatricians, three gynaecologists, one cardiologist and an optometrist, enabling it to expand from eye screening to surgical procedures.
Nduga commended the Rotary Club of Gayaza, insurance companies including Prudential and AAR, and financial institutions such as BRAC Uganda Bank for supporting the project since its groundbreaking.
