The achievements of late Fr Dr Giuseppe Ambrosoli, An Italian Catholic priest born on 25th July 1923 and died in 1987 have remained glittering and stimulating development in Uganda.
Like the Lord said in the book of Deuteronomy 15:10 that give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. This is exactly what Fr Dr Ambrosoli delivered during his life on earth.
As one of the striking figures to be remembered in the social history of Uganda for his thoughtful and conscientious care, Fr. Dr. Ambrosoli came to Uganda in February 1956, and his contributions are not only remembered and reflected in Uganda, but they cut across Africa.
When he was posted by the Pope to Kalongo-Agago District in Northern Uganda to serve as the parish priest on 1st February 1956, Fr. Ambrosoli started a clinic that was meant to deal with people suffering from leprosy related cases at the time.
He was referred to as “saint doctor” due to his compassionate, loving and caring heart towards the sick.
In 1957, Ambrosoli commenced the transformation of the clinic into a fully-fledged hospital with 345 beds and made sure that lepers weren’t excluded.
Kalongo Hospital currently has more than 350 beds and serves approximately 60,000 people each year. During the LRA war, this facility provided immense support to treating casualties of the war.
St Mary’s midwifery school has contributed to the growth of three midwifery schools in Matany, Kitgum and Lacor, said Sr. Carmel Abwot, the Director.
“The midwifery school is truly the great legacy that Father Giuseppe left us. I call him “the miracle maker” because in the difficult and terrible moment of the war many students from other schools fell into ambushes, ours were all saved and this was a real miracle for us,” Abwot said.
“Father Ambrosoli is a gift of God for the Acholi people. He has touched so many lives, not only in Kalongo, but throughout northern Uganda, he has left a mark and if there is anyone to be canonized it should be him,” Hon. Hilary Onek, Minister for Refugees in Uganda stated.
Fr Ambrosoli’s beatification was celebrated on Sunday, 20th November 2022 and thousands turned up to grace the occasion at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Parish in Agago District, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was the Chief Guest.
