The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni has officially commissioned the Henry K. Grameen Hospital in Suna Zone, Kabowa Parish, Rubaga Division — a landmark health facility entirely funded through the daily savings of women under the Grameen Women’s Development Initiative.
The Shs 400 million hospital, built entirely from grassroots contributions, marks a significant milestone in community-led development. The initiative began in May 2023 with a Shs 100 million seed capital donation from Mrs. Museveni to boost household income and promote financial independence among women.
In less than two years, the programme has grown to over 20,400 women, collectively saving more than Shs 4.2 billion, with each member contributing at least Shs 5,000 daily.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mrs. Museveni praised the women of Rubaga for their unity, disciplined saving culture, and their demonstration of how community-driven efforts can drive sustainable development.
She described the hospital as a testament to what women can achieve when they work together with purpose and commitment. She urged them to expand their activities beyond Rubaga, to Kampala, and eventually across the country.
Highlighting the origins of the Grameen concept, pioneered by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, Mrs. Museveni explained that it was established to uplift the poorest women through collateral-free, low-interest credit.
She commended the Rubaga women for proving that development can begin at the household level through consistent saving, skills development, and mutual support.
Addressing residents, youth, local leaders, and students who braved heavy rain at Kitebi Secondary School, Mrs. Museveni encouraged young people to embrace hard work, responsibility, and national pride.
She reminded the community that poverty and disease remain Africa’s greatest threats and urged residents to reject divisive politics. She also highlighted the government’s commitment to grassroots transformation and encouraged the community to take full advantage of programmes designed to uplift families.
Rubaga Division Speaker and founder of the Grameen Women’s Development Initiative, Musa Mbaziira, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for the seed capital that propelled the project.
He noted that the initiative has issued over Shs 1.5 billion in low-interest loans, awarded more than 1,500 bursaries, and helped women in several districts acquire titled land for long-term security. Members are now running businesses in soap-making, juice processing, lotion production, bookbinding, and catering.
The initiative has also established a Grameen Students Association with 16,000 members and operates a social protection fund supporting weddings, funerals, and emergencies.
The Minister of State for Luwero–Rwenzori Region, Alice K. Kaboyo, lauded the initiative’s growth, noting that membership rose from 16,423 in early 2024 to more than 20,400 women today. She emphasized that unity, mobilisation, and continuous skills development are key to sustaining such progress.
Earlier, Mrs. Museveni handed over a brand-new Scania school bus to Kitebi Secondary School, commending students for their discipline and resilience despite the heavy rain.
Headteacher Hajj Kamulegeya Muhammad reported significant growth since Mrs. Museveni’s first visit with President Museveni in April 2024, including increased enrolment to 4,500 students, recognition as a UNEB marking centre, expanded examination seating, and strengthened infrastructure and administration.
Concluding her address, Mrs. Museveni urged the community to uphold unity, hard work, and commitment to development.
She expressed optimism about Uganda’s future, stressing that poverty can be defeated when communities work together, and called on residents to continue supporting initiatives that uplift families and strengthen national progress.