Speaker Oboth Oboth flagging off the 10th edition of the hospital’s Brain Surgery Run on Sunday 10th October 2026

By Sulaiman Kauki

The Speaker of Parliament, Markson Jacob Oboth, has appealed for increased financial support for children requiring specialised neurosurgical treatment, praising CURE Children’s Hospital for helping families access care that would otherwise be beyond their means.

Oboth made the appeal during the 10th edition of the hospital’s Brain Surgery Run, an annual fundraising event aimed at raising money for medical supplies and supporting the hospital’s specialised services.

The hospital treats children with conditions such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus, which can cause serious complications if not diagnosed and managed promptly. Many of the patients come from families unable to meet the high cost of specialised surgery.

Oboth said the event provided an opportunity to support an institution whose services he had previously sought for another patient.

“When I first came here, I was not a patient, but I had a patient. So today I have come to give back,” he said.

The Speaker was joined by State Minister for Public Service Lydia Wanyoto, legislators from the Bugisu sub-region, corporate representatives and other supporters. The Parliamentary Commission also contributed to the fundraising campaign.

CURE Children’s Hospital Executive Director Tim Erickson thanked the sponsors and partners who have supported the initiative over the years, noting that their contributions have helped sustain the hospital’s work.

Erickson also highlighted the experiences of former patients, including a young person identified as Petwa, who has since returned to community life.

He said the hospital had conducted approximately 31,000 brain surgeries, providing treatment at a cost substantially lower than that charged by some facilities elsewhere.

According to Erickson, comparable procedures in Europe or Nairobi could cost about US$10,000, while the average cost of surgery at CURE is approximately Shs7.8 million, equivalent to about US$2,000.

Based on those estimates, treatment at CURE could cost around US$8,000 less per operation. However, the actual difference depends on the procedure, hospital and other treatment requirements, and the figures cited at the event were not independently verified.

“For us, the average cost of surgery is Shs7.8 million. That’s somewhere around $2,000, right? I don’t know anywhere else in the world you can have brain surgery for $2,000, especially not the kind of surgery that saves lives,” Erickson said.

The fundraising event attracted contributions from several institutions and private-sector partners. Patrick Cameron mobilised Shs150 million from Biyinzika Farmers, while the Parliamentary Commission contributed Shs50 million. The Office of the First Lady pledged Shs20 million, with additional support coming from other organisations and individuals.

The Nandala Foundation and Mountain Inn were also acknowledged for contributions exceeding Shs35 million and a further commitment of Shs175 million over five years. Organisers said the long-term pledge was expected to support approximately seven operations annually.

Funds raised through the initiative help the hospital maintain its neurosurgical services and extend treatment to children from financially disadvantaged households.

Erickson said the fundraising campaign had grown considerably since its launch in 2015, when it raised Shs10 million. Collections reached Shs640 million in 2025, reflecting increased support for the hospital’s work.

The organisers are targeting collections of more than Shs1 billion in the long term, with Erickson expressing hope that participation in this year’s run would help move the campaign closer to that ambition.

CURE Children’s Hospital specialises in treating children with neurological conditions, including spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Spina bifida develops when the spinal column fails to close completely during early pregnancy. Depending on its severity, the condition can affect movement and cause bladder or bowel complications. Adequate folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy reduces the risk of many cases.

Hydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, potentially increasing pressure and damaging brain tissue. Depending on the cause and the patient’s condition, treatment may involve inserting a shunt to drain excess fluid or performing an endoscopic procedure to improve its flow.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important in reducing complications and improving the quality of life of affected children. Through its subsidised treatment model, CURE Children’s Hospital seeks to ensure that the cost of specialised surgery does not prevent vulnerable families from accessing essential medical care.