By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has confirmed that the Military Referral Hospital shall be officially opened on 30th April, 2025.
Muhoozi who claims the hospital will be the best in East Africa says the opening ceremony shall be presided over by President Museveni who is also the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.
“We will open our beautiful Military Referral Hospital on 30th April. The President will open our hospital. It’s going to be the BEST hospital in Uganda, maybe in East Africa. I congratulate all of UPDF for this great achievement,” Muhoozi tweeted on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Earlier on 5th March, 2025, Members of Parliament from the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee visited the Complex located 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.
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’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.
The facility features 7 blocks, a 5km perimeter wall, a helipad, incinerator (250 bed capacity), oxygen plant, external lights, and 3km asphalt road network.
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 stood at 93% completion.
The UPDF National Referral Hospital is a testament to Uganda’s commitment to its social-economic transformation agenda.
The facility is expected to provide quality medical services to UPDF personnel, veterans, and the general public but at a cost.
