Basoga Twegaite to build cancer unit in Jinja

By Esther Namirimu                                                                         

The Basoga Twegaite association in the diaspora is to fund-raise for a cancer treatment unit in Jinja.

The fundraising drive will be the major focus of a convention to be held in Los Angeles California between May  23 and 27, 2013 as part of the ongoing corroborative effort towards restoration of Busoga’s glory through education, healthcare, and culture-preservation promotion.

An array of ardent forums has been scheduled as part of the deliberations aimed at promotion and support of lead organisations and efforts including; Jinja referral hospital Cancer-Unit; Twegaite Micro Finance and the region's economic growth strategies.

The key speakers will include Speaker of Uganda Parliament Rebecca Kadaga; Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa; Uganda Cancer Institute senior oncologist Mulago, Dr. Fred Okuku and the Chairman Twegaite International, Engineer Andrew Mwase.

Mwase said that Busoga is considered one of the poorest and most backward regions in Uganda so the Basoga community in USA want to restore its glory.

Mwase added that Uganda has one cancer treatment facility attached to Mulago hospital and Makerere University, with a capacity of only 40 beds.

Cancer patients have to travel very long distances from all over Uganda and neighbouring communities for treatment.

“In an effort to save lives, the Basoga Community of California is hosting this year's annual international convention to raise resources and funding to open a cancer Center attached to Jinja hospital,” he added.

Mwase said that the five-year project will foster a cancer free environment by educating communities, providing care for victims and grafting prevention into the community culture.

“All donations and pledges realised at the convention will go towards the cancer treatment project in Jinja. A comprehensive project plan is available for reference,” he noted.

Twegaite also set out to strengthen Mayuge district initiatives by proposing a Twegaite Mayuge Health Center Project that will strengthen health centers with the most need.

Dr. Mutyabule, the vice chairman of Twegaite Boston and others have teamed up with the health administration in Mayuge, and isolated the target Health Centers.

The initial projects will be geared towards the wellbeing of patients by providing an excellent environment conducive for treatment and recovery.

“We are building a cancer treatment center in Uganda to help save many lives,” said Mutyabule.

Monica Namukwana, President Basoga Community of California, says the convention aims at identifying barriers and solutions that hinder socio-economic development in Busoga region.

Namukwana says through the convention, the Basoga aim at promoting efforts that better the being of the people through improved health care delivery, education, agriculture, technology, and environmental protection.

“We also want to promote the culture of Busoga and encourage a spirit of United We Stand (Twegaite),” she added.

She also noted the convention will enhance the Basoga spirit of self-reliance, community development, and culture. She said the convention will be a platform for exchange of information in order to better understand problems facing Busoga and barriers to development.

Namukwana said that the convention will encourage business relationships and interaction, address needs of the members of Twegaite and help Busoga communities prepare to become productive members of society.

Basoga Community of California is part of the larger Twegaite USA. The California chapter was formed in January of 2009 with a purpose of the propagation and promotion of the Basoga  in California  and worldwide.