By Western Focus Team
BUSHENYI: A group of seven Doctors who studied alongside Dr. Celestine Barigye at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) between 1991 and 1996 visited him at his home in Kyeitembe, Central Division, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality over the weekend.
The team, led by Prof. Frank Rubabinda Asiimwe a Consultant Urologist, and lead kidney transplant surgeon at Mulago National Referral Hospital, expressed joy at seeing their former classmate steadily recovering from illness.
“We are here to celebrate because there’s good news he is much better. Physically, we have used our medical eyes to see that he is improving. A few things still need to be done, but he is strong and on the road to full recovery,” he said.
He added, “We thank God who has healed him, and we appreciate his wife who has stood by him through thick and thin. Dr. Barigye is neat, mentally alert, and ready to finish the journey of recovery and return to serve the nation.”
Dr. Barigye has been ill for nearly a year. He initially received treatment at Nsambya Hospital before being taken to Turkey for further medical management.
His wife, Birungi Ruth Barigye, said her husband is regaining strength and is expected to resume work soon. “He is much better now and we hope he will return to duty soon,” she said,
She also expressed gratitude to the government for their support throughout the treatment process.
“I want to thank the government for taking care of my husband. When we took him to Turkey for treatment, we were assisted by the government. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health has been supportive and has even provided fuel for our regular trips to Nsambya Hospital.”
She also dismissed social media rumours that she had refused medical care for her husband and relied only on prayer.
“There’s no truth in those allegations. I have supported my husband through every stage of his treatment,” she said.
About Dr.Barigye.
He holds a medical degree from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), where he completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). Furthering his expertise, Dr. Barigye earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in international health.
Dr. Celestine Barigye has served as the Executive Director of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital since December 2014, leading one of Uganda’s busiest regional referral centers.
Before his current role, Dr. Barigye was the Bushenyi District Health Officer. He also lectured at Kampala International University and worked as Technical and Personal Assistant to the then Minister of Health, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda. End.
