The Rotary Club of Muyenga has embarked on a significant initiative to sponsor Ugandan children for heart surgery in collaboration with partners in India. The project, led by Mr. Emmanuel Katongole, former Rotary district 9213 governor, and former Rotary International president Shekhar Mehta, aims to provide critical medical assistance to children in need.
President of the Rotary Club of Muyenga, Mr. Simon Batte, announced the commencement of the initiative during the dispatch of the first batch of 17 beneficiaries for surgeries over the weekend. He explained that Mr. Katongole’s meeting with Indian partners resulted in the allocation of 30 slots for free heart surgeries for Ugandan children.
The selection process involves collaboration with the Uganda Heart Institute, which identifies and screens children requiring surgery. As of now, 17 children have been cleared for the program, highlighting the careful consideration of medical necessity.
Mr. Batte addressed the question of why only a limited number of children were chosen, stating that not all cases of heart diseases in children necessitate surgery. The Uganda Heart Institute plays a pivotal role in recommending children for surgeries, and once cleared, parents collaborate with the institute to secure visas for India, while handling passport acquisition independently.
Mr. Michael Mpiima, the chairperson of service projects at the Rotary Club of Muyenga, outlined the comprehensive support provided to the beneficiaries. The organization covers air tickets for both patients and their caretakers, accommodations in India, as well as transport and meals during their stay.
In addition to this healthcare initiative, the Rotary Club of Muyenga is actively engaged in various philanthropic projects. They are spearheading a $2 million (Shs7.6 billion) malaria eradication project in Soroti and Katakwi districts in partnership with World Vision. Other projects include the construction of a $210 million (Shs793 billion) hospital in Kabule, Mityana District, a $100,000 (Shs377.7 million) water project at Kabule Church of Uganda Primary School, and securing $140,000 (Shs528.8 million) to support the Ministry of Education in skilling teachers for the implementation of the lower secondary school curriculum.
Mr. Mpiima emphasized that the Rotary Club of Muyenga is the first Ugandan Rotary Club to sponsor Ugandan children for surgeries in India.
