Departure of mission partners
- Dr. Christoph Menzel, the former Medical Superintendent, and his family left for Germany in March after completion of his 3 year contract.
- Dr. Chris Barton and his wife Polly, also left for the UK after more than 6 years of work at Rugarama Hospital. During his stay he was able to establish and expand the Rugarama Dental Unit and initiated outreach programs in remote areas around Kabale.
- Dr. Mairi Crawford and her husband Mr. Phinn Lawrence from Scotland also returned home in March after serving at Rugarama for 2 years.
- Rugarama Hospital will always be grateful for the contribution they offered during their stay. May God bless them abundantly.
Arrival of new mission partners
- Dr. Chrstian and Mrs. Isabel Gerhardt, a couple from Germany, joined the Rugarama Hospital team in March. Dr. Christian helps wth the clinical work as Isabel continues outreach activities.
- Dr. Colin Watterson from the UK will join the Rugarama Dental team in September.
- Dr. Aaron Marrow from Texas is expected to join the medical team between January and June 2009.
If you would like to read more about the on-going activities at Rugarama, please download the pdf file for our quarterly newsletter. CLICK HERE.
For access to the Rugarama Hospital Newsletter archives, CLICK HERE.
Dr. Gilbert Mateeka
Dr. Gilbert Mateeka, the Medical Superintendent, was born in Kabale and was educated at Kigesi High School, just a short distance from Rugarama Hospital. He is the son of Rev. Canon Stanly Mateeka, a retired clergy. His university education was completed in China between 1999 and 2004. Following his return to Uganda, he continued his medical training at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, the main teaching and referral hospital in Uganda. In February 2006, he joined Rugarama as a medical officer and became the Medical Superintendent in March 2008 following the departure of Dr. C. Menzel.
Dr. Mateeka states, "My wife Constance and I are thankful to be in Kabale and to contribute to the work of Rugarama Hospital. We are blessed with a 3 year old daughter, Merab. I am a believer and I love the Lord Jesus and I accepted him as my Lord and Savior more than ten years ago. I enjoy my work at Rugarama Hospital because when I won a scholarship to study in China, I promised myself to serve people in poor communities upon compleion of my studies. I found Rugarama to have the same vision as mine and that has helped me to remain motivated despite the many challenges."