Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, welcomed a delegation from the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee to the UPDF National Referral Hospital at Lower Mbuya, Kampala, for a fact-finding mission. Led by Hon. Wilson Kajwengye, MP for Nyabushozi County, the committee assessed the hospital’s construction progress, medical equipment acquisition, and overall readiness ahead of its scheduled opening on April 30, 2025.
With a 275-bed capacity, the UGX 143 billion facility will offer specialized services and operate as a self-sustaining entity, where patients will pay for services at moderate rates. The Ministry of Defence will cover costs for UPDF personnel, while private individuals will pay for treatment. Hon. Oleru stressed the importance of healthcare in national development, stating, “Health is life, and seeing is believing.”
During the visit, the committee toured the hospital’s facilities, engaging with the Consultant Engineer and learning about the Mechanical Engineering and Plumbing (MEPs) works.They also acknowledged the challenges faced by China National Aero Technology, the official contractors.Dr Ben Mbonye, chairperson of the hospital steering committee, highlighted that the facility will operate as a self-sustaining, stand-alone entity, with patients paying for services at moderate prices. “UPDF personnel will not be treated free of charge, but rather the defence ministry will pay on their behalf, while private individuals will also have to pay,” he explained.
The hospital features seven blocks, a helipad, an incinerator, an oxygen plant, external lighting, and a 3km asphalt road network. Construction, currently 93% complete, faced delays due to KCCA approval processes, adverse weather, COVID-19 effects, and contractor adjustments.According to the consultant from Archtech Consults U Ltd, variations (project challenges) arise from: Delayed KCCA approval ( submissions 2018 and approval 12th April 2019, inclement (adverse weather), COVID-19 effects, contractor’s request for contract amendment to provide price adjustment, contracting process for MEPs, and structural changes to accommodate the medical equipment.
Hon. Kajwengye praised the progress and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting the completion and commissioning of the hospital, calling it a “milestone achievement” in Uganda’s social-economic transformation agenda.Hon Oleru was accompanied by the MODVA Under Secretary in Charge of Finance and Administration Mrs Edith Buturo, Under Secretary in Charge of Logistics Mr Ngabirano Francis Kahirita, Joint Staff Policy and Strategy Maj Gen Don Nabasa, Joint Staff Civil Engineers Brig Gen Besigye Bekunda, Chief of Staff Air force Brig Gen David Gonyi, UPDF Senior and Junior Officers, among others.
Recent Comments