For many, who go to Mengo Hospital’s dental department, there is a white man who speaks Luganda fluently.
The American-Ugandan speaks Luganda with so much ease and you can help pick up your jaws when he speaks.
He is also fond of praying for his patients before operating them.
This is Dr.Ken Chapman Kigozi, the veteran dental surgeon at Mengo Hospital who has officially retired after 45 years of dedicated service.
Over the weekend, Mengo Hospital organized a farewell dinner for the veteran surgeon held at Kampala Serena Hotel.
Speaking during the dinner, the Executive Director for Mengo Hospital, Dr. Simon Peter Nsingo hailed Dr. Chapman for serving the country.
“We want to appreciate you for the diligence of service you have done at Mengo Hospital. You have been more than a doctor, but a cornerstone in the dental department that you deserve to be honoured,” Dr.Nsingo said.
“The staff and students of Mengo Hospital describe you as a mentor, a person who has seen them through a journey of developing their careers.”
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo who was the guest of honour hailed Dr. Chapman for serving humanity.
He has dedication for patients and it is a true testament to his skill and compassion. Your story is one of selfless, resilience and resolute devotion. You are more than a missionary, a beacon of hope and true servant of humanity.”
The DPP said it is not usual for someone to dedicate their life to others for such a long period of time, as Dr. Chapman has done for Ugandans through dental care and education to countless individuals.
“Your work at Mengo Hospital laid the foundation for modern dental services in this country. I believe your legacy will continue to inspire us all. For 45 years, Dr. Chapman has dedicated his life to the people of Uganda brining not just dental care but also education, hope to the countless individuals.”
Dr.Deo Mawano of Mawano Dental Clinic in Kampala who was mentored by Dr. Chapman described him as one who introduced him to the world dental practice.
“I never thought this man would invite me into his life, become my teacher, my friend and a brother. The first lesson I learnt from him was humility. On my first day, he gave me a broom and told me to sweep the floor. After that he told me to wash the instruments. Now, you have to know I had just been with Mr.Nganwa, the top honcho of dentistry then and working under him. In my mind, we had nurses below us and another gentleman who used to sweep and clean the instruments. So it was an invaluable lesson in learning not to think of yourself as being higher than you ought to,” Dr.Mawano said.
“As I begun getting the arm on the ropes, he was found of saying to me, “Deo, what do you think?” but I soon realised he was not actually looking for my expert opinion. He was simply seeking to get me involved. He was stooping low so that I could feel high. He didn’t only teach me what humility was but also demonstrated it to me. While Makerere University gave me a degree dentistry, Dr. Ken gave me dentistry.”
During the dinner, Mengo Hospital announced it would construct a shs10 billion state-of- the- art dentistry complex in honour of Dr.Chapman.
