Nakibinge urges Muslims to invest in healthcare
By Younus Ntale
The Muslim titular head of Uganda, Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, has challenged Muslim institutions and development partners to expand their investment in healthcare, saying the well-being of communities is central to the Islamic mission of serving humanity.
Nakibinge made the remarks while commissioning a new sickle cell ward at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, constructed by the Islamic Centre for Education and Research (ICER) with support from Dar Al Ber Society, a Dubai-based charitable organisation.
Commending the initiative, Nakibinge said the project demonstrates the role faith-based organisations can play in addressing pressing health challenges affecting vulnerable communities.
Nakibinge also appealed to ICER and its partners to consider funding the construction of a blood bank at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital to strengthen treatment for sickle cell patients.
He noted that Uganda continues to face a shortage of medical personnel and called on the government to facilitate intern doctors to help bridge the gap in healthcare service delivery.
The director general of health services, Prof. Charles Olal, hailed the Islamic Centre for Education and Research for its contribution to the health sector, saying the new facility would improve care for thousands of patients living with sickle cell disease.
He urged religious leaders to use their influence to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and combat the stigma often associated with the condition.
The ICER executive director, Sheikh Yusuf Jemba, said the organisation constructed the ward to restore hope and dignity to sickle cell patients, especially children.
“Our mission is to serve humanity by supporting vulnerable communities. This facility will provide better care and improve the quality of life of patients battling the sickle cell disease,” he said.
Dr. Robert Ssentongo, the director of Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, welcomed the development, describing it as a major boost to the hospital’s capacity to manage sickle cell cases.
The president of the Uganda Sickle Cell Association, Nankanja Mukiibi encouraged parents not to despair when their children are diagnosed with the disease, saying many patients can live productive lives if they receive proper care and support.
