Under the directives of President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the oversight of Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, Chairman of the International Philanthropic and Humanitarian Council, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, the UAE and the Republic of Uganda have signed an agreement to build a fully integrated eye hospital in Entebbe, with an investment of USD 20 million.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by Sultan Mohamed Al Shamsi, Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, and on behalf of Uganda by Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized the significance of the agreement in reinforcing the UAE’s ongoing commitment to advancing global healthcare services and addressing the medical needs of communities across Africa. He underlined the UAE’s dedication to its humanitarian mission and its responsibility to promote development, prosperity, and stability globally. This initiative includes strategic partnerships, particularly in Africa, aiming to further the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed further highlighted the UAE’s leadership commitment, under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to bridging healthcare gaps for vulnerable populations worldwide. Erth Zayed Philanthropies plans to establish 10 specialized hospitals within the next decade to address the healthcare needs of underserved communities and provide essential healthcare infrastructure.
Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State and Chair of the International Health Advisory Committee at the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, affirmed that the agreement reflects the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
He said, “Through the implementation of development projects that address community needs and provide sustainable and pioneering solutions, the UAE and Uganda are reaching new horizons in cooperation, particularly in healthcare. These initiatives aim to benefit thousands of patients suffering from eye conditions.”
Shakhbout further noted that the establishment of the hospital in Entebbe reflects the leadership’s commitment in both countries to strengthen bilateral relations and advance health goals. The project aims to enhance medical services, achieve higher standards of care, improve healthcare infrastructure, and ultimately fulfill the goal of ensuring health for all.