The passing of Cedric Babu, aged 46, in Nairobi after battling a heart condition has deeply saddened Uganda. Cedric, a respected public figure and former presidential advisor, had been awaiting a medical evacuation to London for a life-saving heart transplant.
A public fundraiser had been launched to raise £300,000 (approximately UGX 1.5 billion) to facilitate his treatment abroad.
Sadly, time ran out.
While Uganda mourns this profound loss, Cedric’s death should not be in vain. It should serve as a wake-up call, a loud one, for all of us, from policymakers to citizens. Why must we always wait until it’s too late? Why must access to critical care depend on how much someone can raise online?
A Call for Systemic Change
At COTFONE (Community Transformation Foundation Network), we strongly believe this is the time to rethink our national approach. Instead of reacting to each medical emergency with fundraising drives for individuals, let’s take a broader and more sustainable route: strengthening our national health institutions.
We propose channeling public goodwill and fundraising efforts to support crucial institutions such as the:
-Uganda Heart Institute (UHI)
-Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI)
These institutions are working tirelessly with limited resources to provide life-saving care. If properly equipped and supported, they could dramatically reduce the need for medical evacuations abroad, and make critical care available to every Ugandan, regardless of income level.
Why This Matters
Thousands of Ugandans live with heart conditions, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Most don’t have access to specialized care. Many die silently. Cedric’s case is only high-profile because of who he was. But every day, many Cedrics perish quietly unknown, unfunded, and unsupported.
Investing in institutions means investing in collective survival. It’s about building a health system that works for all, not just the privileged or the fortunate few who can raise funds.
Turning Grief into Action
Let Cedric Babu’s memory inspire change. Let us use this moment not only to mourn but also to mobilize support for Uganda’s health system.
Together, we can:
-Advocate for increased government investment in UHI and UCI
-Launch national fundraising drives to equip these institutions
-Create awareness around preventable deaths due to heart and cancer-related illnesses
-Support vulnerable Ugandans through equitable access to healthcare
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