Naguru Hospital Director Calls for Name Change to Boost Western Donor Support

Summary:

• The Director of China-Uganda Friendship Hospital, Dr. Emmanuel Tugaineyo, laments that the hospital’s association with China has deterred Western donors, citing inadequate support and a need to reconsider the hospital’s name to attract more assistance for Uganda’s healthcare system.

---

Dr. Emmanuel Tugaineyo, the Director of Naguru’s China-Uganda Friendship Hospital, has expressed concern over the inclusion of the name “China” in the hospital’s title, stating that it has hindered the facility from receiving support from Western donors. Dr. Tugaineyo emphasized that the association with China has led to insufficient donations, as the Chinese Government primarily contributes acupuncture needles and gloves.

During his appearance before the Health Committee in Parliament, Dr. Tugaineyo highlighted the challenges caused by the hospital’s name, stating, “The name China-Uganda Friendship Hospital has distanced us from implementing partners, particularly those unwilling to invest in a facility bearing that name. Despite being the primary funders, the government perceives Chinese assistance differently than what is actually provided. The contributions mainly consist of acupuncture needles, gloves, and similar items.”

Dr. Tugaineyo suggested that the hospital’s nomenclature has isolated it from crucial financial partners in the West who prefer not to associate their funding with anything related to China. Given Uganda’s heavy reliance on external funding for its healthcare system and the strained national budget, Dr. Tugaineyo proposed a change in the hospital’s name to potentially attract more support.

Social media discussions surrounding parliamentary proceedings have criticized the government for maintaining a donor-dependent mindset, which some argue is outdated and overdue for a change.

Follow @examinerug