The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged medical students and future doctors to put service to humanity above the pursuit of money, emphasizing that the medical profession is a calling that demands compassion, commitment, and selflessness.
Mayiga made the remarks while meeting members of the Federation of Uganda Medical Students’ Association (FUMSA) at the Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo on Thursday.
The delegation also included medical students from Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe, who are in Uganda to participate in the African Regional Meeting organized under the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA).
Addressing the students, Mayiga highlighted the unique importance of the medical profession, stressing that medicine is not just an ordinary job but a vocation that requires a deep desire to save and sustain human life.
“Medicine is not just any other profession; it is a calling. Anyone who aspires to save lives is the one who should study medicine. A person must feel it in their heart that they want to protect and preserve life. That is what distinguishes medicine from many other professions,” he said.
Mayiga cautioned the students against being driven primarily by financial gain, noting that although some doctors do not work for government and may face financial pressures, money should never overshadow the core value of service.
He explained that dedication and excellence in service eventually lead to financial reward.
Mayiga also briefed the students on the Kingdom of Buganda’s healthcare initiatives, highlighting efforts spearheaded by the Kabaka to improve health outcomes.
These include becoming a continental voice in the fight against HIV/AIDS, constructing hospitals, promoting immunisation against preventable diseases, and championing public health awareness.
He underscored that Buganda priorities health as a pillar of development and thanked the students for choosing a path of service to humanity through medicine.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Isaac Kiwumulo Ssekajja, who led the delegation, explained that the African Regional Meeting brings together medical students and practicing doctors from across Africa every year, with a different African country selected to host. This year, Uganda was chosen to host the meeting.
He noted that the conference focuses on key themes such as improving healthcare accessibility, professional ethics in medical practice, and enhancing the quality of medical service delivery.
Ssekajja expressed gratitude for the warm reception at Bulange, saying the visit was intended to give international participants an opportunity to learn more about Uganda, with a special focus on Buganda’s culture, values, and development priorities.
The meeting was also attended by Buganda Kingdom Ministers, including the Minister of Social services (Education; Health) and Nnaabagereka’s office, Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko; the Minister of Sports, Youth and Talent, Robert Serwanga and the Minister of Community Self Help, Environment, Water and Gender, Hajjat Mariam Nkalubo Mayanja
