Speech by Her Excellency Janet Museveni, First Lady of Uganda, at the construction commencement ceremony of the Aga Khan Teaching Hospital Kampala

Princess Zahra Aga Khan;

Honourable Ministers present here this afternoon;

Members of Parliament;

The Aga Khan Development Network and the leadership of the Aga Khan University;

The Diplomatic Corps;

Development partners;

and distinguished guests present here this afternoon,

Good afternoon to you all

I am happy to welcome the Aga Khan Development Network to Uganda today, on behalf of the President, the Government of Uganda, and the Ministry of Education and Sports in particular.

As all of us know, the Aga Khan Development Network service is not new to our country. It has worked with us now, I am told, close to 100 years. Therefore, it is only right and befitting to thank Princess Zahra in a special way, who came today leading His Highness the Aga Khan’s new blessing to Uganda.

As we lay yet another brick on the foundation for this partnership, I’d like to thank God at the onset for the real and healthy competition that I believe both the Aga Khan University and the Hospital will bring to our country, because I know that their performance is excellent at whatever work they set themselves to do. And it is humbling to learn that this University will also provide access to the underprivileged, as it also conducts ground-breaking research on issues that affect millions of our people.

We also thank the Government of Uganda for providing the 60 acres of land, on which the project will stand. But I also cannot help to ask you to express gratitude again in a special way, for I understand that this project is currently the largest single capital investment the Aga Khan Development Network has made in East Africa. And of course, we know through this facility a new crop of exceptionally skilled and equipped nurses and midwives will be available to support the health sector all over Uganda in years to come. We therefore honour the services of those who are already serving selflessly and those yet to come to join the service of saving lives and keep our people healthy and grateful.

And while we lost many loved ones to Covid-19, we are mindful of the numerous lives that were saved as a result of the medical professionals’ dedicated service in the face of the unprecedented circumstances. And I’m glad you thanked our minister of health, whom we are very proud about, with her team they did us proud through that period. Therefore, on behalf of our people I say thank you and well done.

In conclusion, it is my prayer and hope that in the coming years through the Aga Khan Teaching Hospital Kampala, thousands of our people will receive life-saving care, making it a beacon of hope; thousands of our babies will be born in delivery rooms, making it a scene of joy; and that thousands of our young generation will receive quality education, making it a hub for personal growth and transformation. As we embark on a new chapter in our long-standing relationship, we give God all the glory for this partnership. And we do look forward to witnessing this project succeed, as we experience international-quality health care and a new generation of phenomenal leaders in this sector.

I thank you, and God bless you.