Politics 18 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Can Uganda Transform into Dubai in 20 Years? Skepticism Persists Amid Healthcare Woes
At the NRM retreat in Kyankwanzi, MP-elect Victor Kalenzi highlighted Uganda's failing healthcare system, revealing his son's cancer treatment in India and urging President Museveni for reforms, while questioning ambitious visions of becoming like Dubai. Critics point to unresolved issues like Mulago Hospital and power shortages as barriers to such rapid development. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/uganda-becoming-dubai-in-20-years-let-s-wait-and-see-5428030
Leaders from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) recently wrapped up their retreat at the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute, gathering key politicians and civil servants to discuss Uganda’s progress.
MP-elect for Bunyangabu County, Victor Kalenzi, delivered a striking speech despite interruptions from the MC. He shared that his son is receiving cancer treatment in India, a top destination for Ugandan patients due to inadequacies at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Kalenzi plans to redirect his Shs300m MP car grant toward these medical costs and requested 30 minutes with President Museveni to outline solutions to curb medical tourism.
As a private hospital and university owner, Kalenzi has firsthand insight into healthcare challenges. He boldly predicted Uganda could mirror Dubai’s success in 20 years, alluding to the UAE’s economic surge from a $20 billion GDP in 1975 to $569 billion in 2025, per Harvard’s Belfer Center.
However, skeptics argue Uganda’s track record raises doubts. Over 60 years of independence, marred by conflicts, the nation has struggled with basics like fixing Mulago Hospital, ensuring reliable Kampala electricity, or providing clean water—issues unrelated to past wars.
No Ugandan hospital rivals even the UAE’s second-tier facilities, and the under-construction International Specialised Hospital in Lubowa is just a start. Despite generating over 2,000 megawatts, persistent power problems after 40 years since 1986 question readiness for exponential growth.
While miracles happen, past performance suggests Uganda needs radical changes to achieve UAE-level development.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)