The Umukuka of the Bamasaba people, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has initiated discussions aimed at establishing a satellite health facility of LifeCare Hospital in Mbale City and creating opportunities for medical interns from the University of South Africa and other regional universities to work in Bugisu.
The initiative follows the Umukuka’s two-day official cultural and working visit to Bungoma, Kenya, where he officially opened the LifeCare Hospital facility.
According to Hon. Steven Masiga, spokesperson for the Bamasaba people in Kenya and Uganda, the visit provided an opportunity for the cultural leader to explore areas of cooperation in healthcare between the Bamasaba communities in the two countries.
LifeCare Hospital, which is an offshoot of a healthcare facility in India, specialises in the treatment of a range of complex medical conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders, among other ailments.
During an exit meeting with Dr. Manoi Tejan, Director of LifeCare Hospital, the Umukuka and the hospital leadership agreed to explore the establishment of a LifeCare satellite health facility in Mbale City.
The two sides also agreed to organise free medical camps in Bungoma and Mbale City as part of efforts to improve access to specialised healthcare services for communities in the region.
The proposed Mbale facility is expected to provide opportunities for medical interns from the University of South Africa, alongside interns from universities in and around the Bugisu region, to gain practical experience while supporting healthcare delivery in the area.
The initiative could strengthen healthcare cooperation between communities in eastern Uganda and western Kenya while creating opportunities for specialised medical services closer to the people.
During his visit to Bungoma, the Umukuka was received by leaders of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, Kenyan Chapter, led by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Wakholi Bifoli.
Other officials who participated in the programme included Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Engineer Agnes Wache, Minister for Governance Dr. Mureka, and special envoys Stephen Kokonya and Phillip Wekesa, who were involved in coordinating the Umukuka’s programme in Kenya.
On the sidelines of the visit, the Umukuka also held discussions with the Babukusu clan leadership, focusing on matters concerning the clan and relations between the communities.
Masiga said the Umukuka also encouraged Bamasaba in Kenya to undertake comprehensive data collection and registration of Bamasaba people within the Bamasaba Cultural Institution.
He said accurate population data would help the institution better understand its community, plan programmes and strengthen coordination among Bamasaba living in Kenya.
The proposed LifeCare satellite centre in Mbale, together with the planned medical camps and internship opportunities, is expected to become part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare cooperation and cultural ties between the Bamasaba communities in Uganda and Kenya.
