Kabaka @70: Buganda commissions hospital in Mityana

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As part of the celebrations to mark his 70th birthday, the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, has constructed and commissioned a hospital for his people in Ssingo County.

Located at the headquarters of Busimbi subcounty, which also serves as the headquarters of Busimbi Division in Mityana Municipality, the facility has been named Muteesa II Busimbi Hospital.

“I greet you and thank you for the services you are offering in Buganda Kingdom. I also thank God for the 70 years we are marking,” the Kabaka said in a brief message read on his behalf by his sister, Nalinya Sarah Kagere, at the official opening of the hospital buildings.

He added, “Your life and health are so important to both yourselves and the Kingdom, and that is why we resolved to bring this hospital near you here at Busimbi.”

The Kabaka further urged his people to take care of their health by following advice from health officials, seeking medical care from qualified personnel, and getting immunised.

Officials from Mengo announced that the hospital would be managed by the Mengo Hospital administration.

Led by executive director Dr Simon Peter Nsingo, the team from Mengo Hospital pledged to serve the community to the best of their ability.

Nalinya Sarah Kagere while delivering the Kabaka's message at the official opening of the Muteesa 11 Busimbi hospital.

When construction of the hospital began last year, a few traders in Mityana reportedly attempted to block the project, arguing that the land earmarked for the facility had been intended for other developments.

During the official commissioning ceremony, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, urged the people of Buganda never to obstruct any project initiated by the Kabaka but to always offer their support.

Mayiga recalled that Buganda kings have historically championed the promotion of good health, citing Kabaka Daudi Chwa’s efforts, such as building one of the first hospitals in Buvuma in 1914.

“Muteesa II himself used his salary to construct a hospital in Karamoja and in other areas. During his reign, Uganda had some of the best health services. That’s part of the reason we are naming this hospital after him,” he said.

He added, “Kabaka Mutebi has been deeply involved in fighting fistula, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases—he is now constructing hospitals.”

Mayiga also commended the central government for its efforts to improve the country’s health services and pledged continued cooperation.

Several civil leaders attended the event, including county chiefs, lands and urban development minister Judith Nabakooba, Mengo’s local government minister Joseph Kawuki, and aspiring political leaders from districts within Ssingo County.