Mengo Hospital has launched a fundraising drive which will help raise funds to construct a Shs10 billion state of the art dental centre in honour of veteran dental surgeon, Dr. Ken Chapman Kigozi.
The complex will have a dental care and education facilities among others.
Over the weekend, the fundraising drive was launched during a dinner at which Dr. Chapman officially retired from Mengo after 45 years of service.
Speaking during the function, the Executive Director for Mengo Hospital, Dr. Simon Peter Nsingo said by constructing a dental complex, the hospital wants to keep the legacy of Dr. Chapman going.
“We have to thank you for making sure we have the ability to chew. Dr. Chapman has made sure we feed well and look healthy by looking after our teeth. We want to appreciate you for the diligence of service you have done at Mengo Hospital. You have been more than a doctor, but a cornerstone in the dental department that you deserve to be honoured,” Dr.Nsingo said.
“The staff and students of Mengo Hospital describe you as a mentor, a person who has seen them through a journey of developing their careers.”
Sharing testimonies from patients, Dr.Nsingo described the veteran dentist as one who restored joy and hope to many and as such deserves to be remembered.
Testimonies
One by one, workmates and patients shared testimonies about the work of Dr.Chapman at Mengo Hospital.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo described Dr. Chapman as her personal dentists.
“Dr.Chapman has worked on my teeth with great care and expertise. I haven’t got any problem with my teeth ever since I started seeing this dentist. He has dedication for patients and it is a true testament to his skill and compassion,” Justice Abodo said.
“Your story is one of selfless, resilience and resolute devotion. You are more than a missionary, a beacon of hope and true servant of humanity.”
The DPP said it is not usual for someone to dedicate their life to others for such a long period of time, as Dr. Chapman has done for Ugandans through dental care and education to countless individuals.
“Your work at Mengo Hospital laid the foundation for modern dental services in this country. I believe your legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
Dr.Deo Mawano of Mawano Dental Clinic in Kampala who was mentored by Dr. Chapman relived the old days as the two started out.
“I never thought this man would invite me into his life, become my teacher, my friend and a brother. The first lesson I learnt from him was humility. On my first day, he gave me a broom and told me to sweep the floor. After that he told me to wash the instruments. Now, you have to know I had just been with Mr.Nganwa, the top honcho of dentistry then and working under him. In my mind, we had nurses below us and another gentleman who used to sweep and clean the instruments. So it was an invaluable lesson in learning not to think of yourself as being higher than you ought to,” Dr.Mawano said.
“I had arrived at Mengo with lots of confidence but with very little knowledge. I was at the peak of Mountain stupidity. When he begun mentioning things I had never heard, I begun feeling like a whole lot of stupidity had collided with my brains. However, with gentleness and love, Dr.Ken held my hands and walked with me.”