The new Italian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mauro Massoni has paid a visit on April 15 to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor.
In his first official visit to regions outside the capital since assuming office in Febraury, the Ambassador toured the main hospital complex, visiting the Emergency Unit, Maternity, Operating Theatre, Surgery, OPD and Trauma Ward among others.
The Ambassador also visited the Children’s Ward and officially inaugurated our new Neonatal Unit. He also had a brief stint at the Health Training Institute, the oxygen plant which was very instrumental during the Covid-19 pandemic and the Pharmacy where CDC set up a laboratory during the Ebola outbreak to avoid delays in sending samples to South Africa.
“What I had the opportunity to visit today is the fruit of a fantastic work done by the parents of Dominique [Drs Lucille and Piero Corti] and all the works that the Ugandan doctors and nurses have done. It was a dream which became true,” said the Ambassador after the tour of the hospital.
Accompanied by his wife, Mr. Mauro Massoni was full of praise for Lacor Hospital for the excellence he saw in every department.
As he walked down the halls of this historic institution in the company of the Institutional Director, Dr. Martin Ogwang and the Medical Director, Dr. Odong Emintone, the Ambassador not only witnessed the incredible work done by the dedicated staff but also the enduring partnership between Italy and Uganda.
His demeanour was nothing short of remarkable – warm, approachable, and genuinely interested in the people and the stories of Lacor Hospital. He was a simple gentleman, embodying the very essence of diplomacy and grace.
“This is a success story – a success story where Italy can put its flag and I really hope that in the future we can continue to support this institution,” he said.
He also told a gathering in the Hospital Library that the priority sectors for Italy in Uganda this year will be health and agriculture. The Ambassador also witnessed the beginning of an outpost for Milano Bicocca University, one of two public universities in Milan, at Lacor Hospital.
This visit underscores a shared commitment to health, education, and prosperity for all and the Ambassador pledged to advocate for increased funding to Lacor.
