BY K MALE: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) have announced a partnership to increase access to quality and specialised healthcare for Uganda’s business community.
In a meeting between the leadership of the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), the two institutions explored the healthcare needs of the business owners and their employees, and identified areas where the two institutions could collaborate to optimize access to the services they need.
“At Aga Khan University Hospital, we believe that access to quality healthcare is fundamental to healthy families, productive businesses and a thriving economy. And the health of the business community is closely connected to the productivity and resilience of Uganda’s economy,” said Rashid Khalani, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan University Hospital.
The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) is a leading umbrella organisation representing traders and business communities in Kampala and Uganda at large. It is currently Uganda’s largest multi-sectoral business support association, with over 3 million registered members representing traders across retail, wholesale, manufacturing, services and more.
KACITA Chief Executive Officer, Abel Mwesige welcomed the engagement, noting that healthcare is an important component of an enabling environment for businesses to survive and grow.
“For many traders and business owners, illness can result in time away from work, loss of income and additional financial pressure on businesses and families,” he said.
Other key issues highlighted during the engagement included the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes, cancer and kidney disease.
“We believe that healthy people build stronger businesses, and stronger businesses build a stronger economy. KACITA is excited about this engagement with Aga Khan University Hospital,” he said.
The AKUH-KACITA engagement comes at a time when Aga Khan Health Services continues to expand access to specialised healthcare in Uganda. Through its outreach facilities, including the Nakawa Specialty Centre and Acacia Clinic, the hospital provides access to specialised services including oncology and chemotherapy, dialysis, cardiology, neurophysiology, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services and specialist consultations.
The ongoing construction of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala, a 101-bed teaching hospital expected to open in 2028, will further expand access to specialised medical and surgical care while supporting the training of healthcare professionals.
“Our vision is not simply to provide healthcare, but to contribute meaningfully to strengthening Uganda’s health system and expanding access to high-quality, specialised care for individuals, families and communities,” Mr Khalani said.