In the heart of Kabale District, a long-held dream has taken shape, and with it, a promise fulfilled. The Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation, in collaboration with the Kigezi Diocese established the first dialysis unit in the region, located at Rugarama Hospital. This milestone not only fills a critical healthcare gap in southwestern Uganda, but also serves as a powerful tribute to the life and legacy of the late Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile.
The former Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Professor Mutebile, passed away in January 2022 after a long battle with kidney complications. During his lifetime, he experienced firsthand the difficulties of accessing dialysis services in his home region. Often, his visits to Kabale were cut short not by choice, but by necessity. The absence of dialysis care meant he had to return to urban centers for life-sustaining treatment. It was a reality he hoped would one day change for others.
That hope now lives on in the new facility, one that stands not only as a symbol of medical progress, but of compassion, foresight, and commitment to community. The unit is equipped to serve patients across Kigezi, as well as neighboring countries like Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. For many families, this means no more exhausting travel or delays in treatment. It means access to affordable quality care, close to home.
At the launch event, family members, health professionals, church leaders, and local officials all gathered to witness the moment. Speaking on behalf of the family, Gen. Timothy Sabiiti Mutebile emphasized that this was just one step in the Foundation’s broader mission to uplift communities. “This unit is a commitment to saving lives and restoring dignity to those who’ve had to struggle in silence,” he said.
Dr. Muhammed Mukhata shared that many patients suffering from chronic kidney conditions had previously been forced to travel to Kampala or Mbarara for treatment—distances that proved deadly for some. “The lack of access has cost lives,” he said. “With this facility, we are not only treating people, we are giving them a chance to live.”
Kabale’s District Health Officer, Dr. Gilbert Mateeka, echoed those sentiments, calling the project timely and essential. He highlighted the importance of long-term planning, including staffing and equipment maintenance, to ensure the unit remains functional for years to come. “Now that we have it, we must protect it,” he said. “We owe that to the people it serves, and to the memory of the man who inspired it.”
The Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, offered prayers and gratitude during the ceremony, affirming the Church’s role in supporting the facility’s future. “We are honored to be part of this moment,” he said. “And when the time comes to expand, we are ready to give the land and support needed to do so.”
This achievement comes at a time when the conversation around healthcare in Uganda is shifting. While great strides have been made in addressing infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases like kidney failure continue to pose a major challenge, often receiving less attention and funding. Kabale Municipality MP Dr. Nicholas Kamara addressed this during his remarks, noting that while the government had taken steps such as passing the Organ Transplant and Donation Act there is still much to be done.
What makes this dialysis unit so significant is the story behind it, the fulfillment of a promise made by a man who, even in illness, never stopped thinking of how to serve. Since its inception in 2016, the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation has supported projects in health, education, and social development across Uganda. This dialysis unit may be its most profound contribution yet, a lasting reminder that vision, when paired with action, can create real change.
As patients begin to receive care at the kidney care unit in Rugarama Hospital, they will walk into a space that stands as a legacy of service.
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