President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently convened with a team of surgeons from Mulago National Referral Hospital to discuss the groundbreaking achievement of the first-ever kidney transplant in Uganda. The historic operation, which took place last Wednesday at Mulago Hospital, was led by Professor Frank Asiimwe and involved collaboration with visiting doctors from Yashoda Hospitals in India, led by Dr. A. Sashi Kiran.
During the courtesy call at State House, Entebbe, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng updated President Museveni on the successful kidney transplant performed on a patient named Mark Maurice Kiyemba. Mr. Kiyemba, a resident of Munyonyo, received the donated kidney from his brother, Steven Mpagi.
President Museveni congratulated the Mulago surgeons and the visiting doctors from India for their significant achievement. He expressed his commitment to supporting them in their pursuit of self-sustainability, both in terms of human resources and necessary equipment for such medical procedures.
In response, Health Minister Dr. Aceng thanked President Museveni for his continuous support to the Ministry of Health. She also seized the opportunity to request additional assistance, particularly in the areas of training more kidney specialists and transplant surgeons, as well as the provision of modern medical equipment.
Mulago National Specialised Hospital, also known as Mulago National Referral Hospital, stands as a vital component of the Mulago Hospital Complex, serving as the teaching facility for Makerere University College of Health Sciences. Positioned on Mulago Hill in the northern part of Kampala, the hospital plays a pivotal role as the largest public hospital in Uganda.
This successful kidney transplant marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s medical history, showcasing the country’s progress in advanced medical procedures and the dedication of its healthcare professionals. The collaborative efforts between local and international medical experts underline the importance of such partnerships in advancing healthcare capabilities and providing life-changing treatments to patients in need.