Updates from Kampala — Mengo Hospital, MoTIV, and Uganda’s Creative Future

A recent update from Kampala highlights developments in health care, education, and the creative economy, offering a look into several initiatives shaping progress in Uganda.

One visit included Mengo Hospital, a historic medical institution located near Namirembe Cathedral in Kampala. The hospital is nearing completion of its new Child Care Center, a project supported by Mengo Hospital Partners (MHP)—a group with long-standing ties to the Washington, DC community. The renovation addresses a clear need for expanded pediatric care, and the center recently hosted a soft dedication led by MHP board chair William Chin. Supporters hope the collaboration between MHP and Mengo Hospital will continue strengthening child-focused medical services for years ahead.

Another stop in Kampala was MoTIV (Maker of Things, Ideas, and Ventures), a growing production hub committed to supporting Uganda’s creative sector and stimulating inclusive economic development. Conversations there—and later at Cavendish University and Victoria University—centered on the relationship between the arts, public policy, and economic diversification. The discussions underscored a key theme: economies seeking resilience and inclusivity must diversify not only industries but also the approaches used to support them. Within that vision, the arts are seen as an essential contributor, capable of broadening civic imagination and enriching social life.

Interviews with Ugandan media also explored these ideas further. Conversations were held with:

• Privah Eliberz Nuwamanya (NTV)

• Patrick Kamara (93.3 KFM)

• Edgar R. Batte (Daily Monitor)

For those interested, the NTV interview is available here, and the Daily Monitor article can be accessed here.

These engagements reflect ongoing efforts in Kampala to strengthen partnerships, promote creativity, and broaden opportunities in health, education, and cultural development.

Learn more about MHP’s work here.