EDITOR
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, has joined calls for the urgent establishment of a national health insurance scheme in Uganda to save lives of all citizens.
Speaking today while representing President Yoweri Museveni during the final sendoff of Hon. Canon Mary Karooro Okurut at Bushenyi Playground, Tayebwa concurred with tycoon Hasan Basajabalaba on the need for health insurance. He noted that the proposal is already under consideration by the Cabinet and will soon be tabled in Parliament.
“Death is an equalizer; it does not distinguish between the rich and the poor. When someone dies, whether rich or poor, they are laid in the same size coffin and buried in the same land,” Tayebwa said, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare for all.
Basajabalaba also urged the government to partner with private health facilities to improve service delivery. The Deputy Speaker agreed, citing his personal experience: “When my father, Mzee Daudi Bangirana, falls sick, I take him to either KIU Teaching Hospital or Adventist Hospital Ishaka. They are all private facilities providing quality care.”
During the ceremony, the President, through Tayebwa, commended Hon. Karooro for her discipline and hard work, noting that the country will deeply miss her contributions. Parliament is set to hold a special sitting in her honor.
In a gesture of goodwill, Basajabalaba pledged UGX 100 million for any family-approved project in memory of Hon. Karooro.
The sendoff ceremony was chaired by Hon. Michael Mawanda, Igara East MP, who praised Hon. Karooro for being God-fearing, a quality that earned her the highest lay Christian title of Canon.
Dignitaries who attended the ceremony included Emeritus Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, ministers Magret Muhanga, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, Frank Tumwebaze, Lt. Col. Bright Rwamirama, Haruna Kasolo, MPs Joram Tibasiima and Mwijukye Francis, as well as ambassadors Franklin Katungwe and RTD Amb. Nduhuura.
