The UAE has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art eye hospital in Uganda’s Entebbe region, marking another milestone in its ongoing humanitarian efforts.
The Dh20 million project, which is part of the Emirates Global Hospitals programme, was formalized with the signing of an agreement between the UAE and Uganda on Friday.
The agreement was signed by Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Chairman of the Emirates Aid Agency, and Vincent Bagiri Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The hospital is set to provide advanced eye care services, addressing critical health needs in Uganda and neighboring countries.
This hospital is a key component of the Emirates Global Hospitals programme, which aims to establish 10 specialized hospitals over the next decade, with a focus on different continents around the world.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader humanitarian vision under the Zayed Humanitarian initiative, named in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE.
The goal is to support underserved populations by enhancing healthcare infrastructure globally. Speaking about the agreement, Al Shamsi emphasized the UAE’s commitment to contributing to the well-being of communities worldwide.
“This project is a reflection of the UAE’s deep commitment to global humanitarian efforts and health initiatives,” he said.
“The establishment of the eye hospital in Uganda will not only help address the pressing medical needs of the region but will also foster deeper cooperation and friendship between the UAE and Uganda.”
The Entebbe-based facility will be equipped with modern medical technologies to treat various eye conditions, offering services such as cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and specialized care for other vision-related issues.
By providing accessible, high-quality eye care, the hospital will play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for many Ugandans, particularly those in rural and underserved areas.
The construction of the hospital is expected to create numerous jobs, both directly in the healthcare sector and indirectly in local construction and service industries.
It will also serve as a regional hub for eye care training and research, benefiting both local healthcare professionals and international visitors seeking specialized treatment.
Uganda’s health sector has long faced challenges in terms of access to medical facilities, especially in rural areas. With a population of over 45 million, many Ugandans lack access to the most basic forms of healthcare.
The establishment of a modern medical facility dedicated to eye care is expected to alleviate some of these issues, while also serving as a model for future healthcare projects in the region.
The hospital’s construction will begin shortly, and it is expected to be completed within a few years. The UAE’s robust philanthropic approach and active global role in promoting health and education are expected to continue to build bridges of cooperation between nations and improve the lives of countless individuals.
This initiative follows a long tradition of UAE support for global humanitarian projects, reflecting the leadership’s strong belief in social responsibility and global solidarity.
With the Zayed Humanitarian initiative at its core, the UAE is positioning itself as a key player in addressing critical health challenges worldwide, further solidifying its role as a beacon of hope and progress for vulnerable communities.