Published By BHF | October 5, 2025
By: Tatumwa Desmond Benjamin
It is a proud and historic moment for Uganda as three outstanding surgeons from our country have joined the ranks of the world’s most distinguished professionals. Dr. Isaac Mubezi (Hope & Healing Center, Kiwanyi, and Head of Surgery Department at Iganga General Hospital), Dr. Joseph Damoi (Kyabirwa Surgical Center), and Dr. Francis Basimbe (St. Francis Hospital Nsambya) have been inducted as Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) during the #ACSCC25 ceremony.
Their induction into the world’s largest and most respected surgical college represents excellence, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to improving surgical care both in Uganda and globally. It is a moment of pride not only for their families and institutions but also for the entire Busoga region and Uganda as a whole.
Honoring Commitment and Excellence
The journey of these three surgeons is a testament to discipline, faith, and a deep desire to make a difference.
Each of them has walked a remarkable path, from their early medical training in Uganda to years of dedication, research, and service in the surgical field. Their induction as Fellows is not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of Uganda’s growing presence in the global health community.
Their leadership within their respective institutions continues to transform lives.
- Dr. Isaac Mubezi, through the Hope & Healing Center in Kiwanyi and as Head of Surgery at Iganga General Hospital, has been a driving force in expanding access to quality surgical and primary care services in Eastern Uganda.
- Dr. Joseph Damoi, at the Kyabirwa Surgical Center, represents the power of innovation and collaboration in advancing safe and affordable surgical services for communities.
- Dr. Francis Basimbe, at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, continues to inspire the next generation of Ugandan surgeons through mentorship, teaching, and exemplary clinical service.
Together, their stories remind us that world-class excellence can rise from every corner of Uganda.
Lighting the Way for the Next Generation
The induction of these three Ugandan surgeons carries deep significance for young people aspiring to join the medical profession. Their achievement demonstrates that with determination, hard work, and faith, global recognition is within reach.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), surgical diseases account for nearly 30 percent of the global burden of disease, yet access to safe surgical care remains limited in many developing countries. Uganda continues to strengthen its surgical capacity, with more local professionals contributing to training, research, and service innovation.
Moments like these are powerful motivators for students and young professionals. They show that Uganda can produce globally recognized surgeons who meet international standards while remaining deeply connected to their communities.
When excellence is celebrated, it sparks hope, fuels ambition, and reminds us that the next global leaders in medicine can come from our own hospitals, schools, and villages, just like Dr. Isaac Mubezi, who rose from the rural community of Kiwanyi to stand tall on the world stage.
A Celebration for Uganda and Beyond
This milestone is more than a professional achievement. It is a national celebration and a recognition that Uganda’s medical professionals continue to rise on the world stage, shaping the narrative of African excellence in healthcare.
Busoga Health Forum celebrates Dr. Mubezi, Dr. Damoi, and Dr. Basimbe for their extraordinary accomplishments, their mentorship, and their continued service to humanity. Their success symbolizes the promise of a healthier, stronger, and more self-reliant Uganda.
As we honor them, we also honor every Ugandan health worker whose daily commitment to care and compassion keeps our communities strong.
Congratulations, doctors. Your light shines bright, and your example continues to inspire a new generation of healers and innovators.
Out of a population of over 45 million Ugandans, these three distinguished surgeons have brought immense pride to our nation and the Busoga Region through this remarkable global achievement. Their induction into the world’s largest and most prestigious surgical college is a testament to excellence, dedication, and the transformative impact of visionary leadership in healthcare.
We celebrate this milestone as a powerful reminder that world-class excellence can emerge from our local institutions, inspiring young health professionals to aim higher and serve humanity with compassion and skill.
