KAMPALA – Dr. Geoffrey Bataringaya of Bataringaya Foundation has handed over a donation of X-Ray machines worth UGX 350m to the Department of Dentistry, Makerere University College of Heath Sciences (MakCHS).
The handover ceremony held at the Dental Hospital and School located at the Makerere University Main Campus along Northcote Road.
Dr. Bataringaya highlighted that the donation of digital diagnostic equipment will contribute to research, training of students and delivery of dental services to the Makerere community.
“Bataringaya Foundation has donated the X-Ray machine with an aim of making the dental hospital a center for learning, training and research for generations to come. I urge students, lecturers and management to properly maintain the dental equipment so that it can benefit those who will be at the School in future,” said Dr. Bataringaya.
Dr. Bataringaya, an alumnus of Makerere University called upon staff and alumni to give back to the University. He encouraged students to use the knowledge they attain to transform societies. He also planted a tree at the Dental Hospital in memory of the donation.
The overjoyed Head of the Department of Dentistry, Dr. Kutesa Annet Mutebi applauded Bataringaya Foundation for the enormous support rendered to the Department. She called upon other alumni and dental practitioners to emulate the Bataringaya Foundation. Dr. Muhammed Mbabali, a Lecturer at the Department noted that the X-ray machine will also enable lecturers to supervise students’ work online.
Prof. Charles Ibingira, the Principal College of Health Sciences expressed gratitude to Bataringaya Foundation for donating and supporting not only the University, but also the nation at large when he said, “the machine will not only be used to train students but also to treat the community.”
He revealed that the Dental Hospital had provided dental services to over 2,000 patients in the last three months. He emphasized that the donation of the digital X-ray machine would add value to delivery of services, ease patient record keeping and management.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by Dr. Christopher Mbazira stated that the Bataringaya Foundation donation will always be used as reference to encourage Makerere University alumni, staff and community to give back to the University. Dr. Mbazira, the Principal, School of Law and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) also handed over a plaque of appreciation to the Bantaringaya Foundation on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.
Impressed by the fact that the Dental Hospital was providing quality services to students, staff and Ugandans at large, Dr. Mbazira commended the great strides being undertaken by the respective colleges at the University to reach out to the community.
The Director of Makerere University Health Services, Dr. Josaphat Byamugisha reiterated that the equipment would significantly contribute to the advancement of service delivery at Makerere University.