Courtesy: MoD/UPDF MEDIA
5th March 2025: Hon Huda Abason Oleru, Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, welcomed a delegation of Members of Parliament from the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee to the UPDF National Referral Hospital at Lower Mbuya, in Kampala.
The committee, led by Hon Wilson Kajwengye, MP for Nyabushozi County, was on a fact-finding mission to assess the progress of the hospital’s construction, status of acquisition and medical equipment installation.
The hospital, scheduled to open on 30th April 2025, boasts a 275-bed capacity and specialized services. Hon Oleru emphasized the importance of prioritizing citizens’ health to ensure a productive population, 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.
The facility features 7 blocks, a 5km perimeter wall, a helipad, incinerator (250 bed capacity), oxygen plant, external lights, and 3km asphalt road network. The hospital is expected to provide quality medical services to UPDF personnel, veterans, and the general public but at a cost.
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.
It was however noted that the hospital’s construction, initially projected to cost UGX 106 billion, has incurred additional expenses due to variations and price adjustments, bringing the total cost to approximately UGX 143 billion.
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 expressed appreciation for the construction progress, which stands at 93% completion. “This is a wonderful engagement. We’re looking forward to commissioning this milestone achievement. Thanks so much,” he said.
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.
