Irish doctor to stand for Kampala seat

Ian Clarke being carried by his supporters after he was nominated By Darious Magara DR. Ian Clarke, who has been nicknamed Busuulwa, was among candidates that were nominated to contest for the chairmanship of Makindye Division yesterday. Clarke, an Irishman with dual citizenship, is the chairman of the International Medical Group. He is the proprietor of International Hospital Kampala (IHK), an upscale hospital in Namuwongo, a Kampala suburb. Clarke arrived at the nomination centre at 7:30am and was nominated at 2:00pm. Clarke, who is contesting as an independent, said his wish was not to be associated with political parties but to work for the community. He looked composed as electoral officials checked his documents. Addressing journalists after his nomination, Clarke said he would repair roads, equip health centers and promote general development in the division. His campaign slogan is ‘good roads, good health and development’. “Our people are suffering without good health facilities and roads. My leadership, if I am elected as LC3 chairperson, will be to address these social challenges” he said. “I will also improve garbage collection and water coverage, and ensure that other social services reach local people,” Clarke added. A resident of Muyenga hill, Clarke said his inability to speak Luganda would not stop him from communicating with the masses. Clarke, whose convoy contained over 15 vehicles, faces stiff competition from the incumbent, Moses Kalungi, who is due to be nominated today. Others nominated for the same seat are Livingstone Kizito (FDC), Kasule Namungo, Brown Charles Lwanga, Robert Kironde and Peter Ssentongo. Clarke was born in Ireland, where he trained as a general medical practitioner. He moved to Uganda in the late 1980s to set up a community hospital. After starting Kiwoko Hospital, Clarke established IHK to cater to the city’s emerging middle class in 1996. The hospital also runs a nursing school on its premises at Namuwongo. Clarke writes a weekly column in New Vision.