The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced plans to construct a specialized eye hospital in Entebbe, Uganda, as part of its Emirates Global Hospitals programme. The project, launched under the Zayed Humanitarian Initiative, reflects the UAE’s commitment to global healthcare development and humanitarian aid.
An agreement formalizing the initiative was signed on Friday between Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Chairman of the Emirates Aid Agency, and Vincent Bagiri Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The facility, which will cost approximately Dh20 million, is aimed at addressing critical eye health issues in Uganda and the surrounding region.
The project is part of a broader directive from UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to humanitarian efforts worldwide. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Al Shamsi highlighted the UAE’s commitment to improving global healthcare access. “This initiative is a testament to our enduring partnership with Uganda and our shared goal of enhancing the quality of life for all,” he stated.
The Emirates Global Hospitals programme, under which the eye hospital will be built, aims to establish 10 specialized hospitals across various continents within the next decade. Each facility is designed to address specific healthcare needs in underserved regions, ranging from ophthalmology to other medical specialties.
Vincent Bagiri Waiswa expressed gratitude for the UAE’s support, emphasizing the significant impact the hospital would have on the Ugandan population. “This facility will provide life-changing care to thousands and improve the health outcomes in our nation,” he remarked.
The planned eye hospital is expected to play a pivotal role in tackling preventable blindness and other vision-related ailments in Uganda, where access to specialized eye care remains limited. According to health experts, the new facility will likely include state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services, as well as training programs to enhance local medical expertise.
The Emirates Global Hospitals programme represents a cornerstone of the UAE’s international development strategy, aligning with its vision to foster global cooperation and support humanitarian causes. Past projects under the initiative have already begun transforming healthcare in several regions, setting a precedent for high-quality medical care in underserved areas.
Construction of the eye hospital in Entebbe is anticipated to begin soon, with the UAE and Ugandan authorities working closely to ensure the project is completed on schedule. The facility is expected to bring hope and healing to thousands, reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a leader in global humanitarian initiatives.
