Uganda has launched the construction of a state-of-the-art 250-bed cardiac hospital in Naguru, Kampala, in a bid to reduce the number of patients referred abroad for specialized cardiac care.
The hospital, which is being built on a 10-acre piece of land, will offer world-class cardiovascular care, with facilities including 40 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, three operating theaters, and two catheterization labs.
President Yoweri Museveni, who was represented by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the groundbreaking ceremony, hailed the project as a major milestone in Uganda’s healthcare system.
“Today we break ground for the Uganda Heart Institute infrastructure development project, a long-awaited initiative that will pursue cardiac care in Uganda,” President Museveni said.
He emphasized that the facility will significantly reduce patient referrals abroad while providing accessible and affordable cardiovascular treatment to thousands.
“This facility will increase the capacity to reduce patient referrals abroad, that will save Ugandan families the high costs of seeking treatment overseas,” President Museveni added.
The President noted that the government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, secured USD 70 million in external financing from BADEA OPEC Fund and Saudi Fund for Development(SFD) to support this project.
He added that the facility will advance training and opportunities to enhance local expertise in cardiovascular medicine and create job opportunities for healthcare professionals, strengthening Uganda’s human resource capacity in specialized medical care.
President Museveni also acknowledged the significant strides made by the Ugandan government to enhance the effectiveness of the Uganda Heart Institute.
“Government has continued to increase budgetary support for the institute, including funding for medical supplies, wages, recruitment of new staff and procurement of adverse equipment to improve service delivery,” he said.
The President urged United contractors, government agencies and project supervisors to ensure value for money.
“I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, Project supervisors, United Arab contractors and the Uganda Heart Institute leadership to ensure the value for money and timely delivery of these projects. Needs not be entertained at any level. The people of Uganda deserve a fully operational, world-class facility within the agreed time frame of two years,” President Museveni added.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. John Omagino, the Executive Director of the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI), stated that the project will ensure affordable treatment, specialized training, and a reduction in referrals abroad.
“The Government of Uganda secured USD 70 Million from BADEA, OPEC Fund & SFD, with an additional USD 3 million and 10 acres of land. These resources ensure the full implementation of this groundbreaking hospital project,” Dr. Omagino added.
He praised President Museveni and the Government of Uganda for their continued support of the sector.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. James Magara, noted that the hospital will transform cardiovascular healthcare in Uganda and beyond.
“This hospital will be a game-changer, transforming cardiovascular healthcare in Uganda and beyond. With a 250-bed capacity, state-of-the-art medical equipment, and specialized treatment facilities, it will significantly improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart diseases,” Dr. Magara said.
Dr. Magara added that the facility will save the country millions in foreign exchange by reducing the need for medical referrals abroad.
“By reducing the need for referrals abroad, we will save the country millions in foreign exchange while also making Uganda a hub for medical tourism. The facility will serve both Ugandans and patients from across the region, reinforcing our role as a leader in heart care,” Dr. Magara said.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister for Health Uganda, noted that this project aligns with Uganda Vision 2040, aiming to modernize healthcare infrastructure and position Uganda as a regional center of excellence for cardiovascular care.
“A healthy population is key to socio-economic transformation,” Dr. Aceng noted.
