By Brian Atuhura
The Prime Minister,Rt.Hon.Robinah Nabbanja,has officiated at the ground breaking ceremony for the shs 58 billion expansion and rehabilitation of Masindi General Hospital, a major government investment aimed at strengthening health care services ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking during the launch at Masindi General Hospital on Friday, Nabbanja said the project demonstrates government's commitment to improving health care infrastructure and ensuring access to quality medical services for the people of Masindi and Uganda at large.

"The ground breaking ceremony reflects government's commitment to strengthening health infrastructure and improving access to quality health care services for the people of Masindi and Uganda,"Nabbanja said.

She revealed that the upgrade of Masindi General Hospital forms part of a broader government strategy to prepare the Bunyoro Sub-Region for AFCON 2027, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.Other planned health projects include the upgrading of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and Buseruka Health Centre III to Health Centre IV to improve the region's capacity to handle medical emergencies during the tournament.

Nabbanja disclosed that government will invest a total of shs 545.99 billion in Bunyoro to support AFCON related infrastructure development.

The planned investments include shs 182.5 billion for the construction of a passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport,shs 101.1 billion for upgrading hotel infrastructure,shs 91 billion for health facility improvements,shs 95.5 billion for access roads around Hoima City stadium,shs 20.2 billion for upgrading King George stadium in Masindi,shs 18.6 billion for improving Sir Tito Winyi Secondary School play ground,and shs 13.3 billion for upgrading Hoima Boma grounds.

Additional investments include shs 6.25 billion for water service expansion, shs 4.69 billion for dedicated power lines to AFCON facilities,shs 6.55 billion for Hoima City hygiene improvements,and shs 5.1 billion for sanitation works in Masindi Municipality.

The Prime Minister also commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for spearheading major infrastructure projects in the Bunyoro region, including the Kigumba-Masindi-Bulima-Kagadi-Kyenjojo road, Masindi -Biiso road, Paraa-Buliisa road,the Masindi Industrial skills hub,and the Uganda Petroleum Institute in Kigumba.

The Commissioner for Health Infrastructure at the Ministry of Health,Eng.George Otim, outlined the scope of works at Masindi General Hospital.

He said the project will include construction of a modern Out-Patient Department to regional referral hospital standards,a new 125 bed inpatient ward, renovation of existing structures,and installation of modern medical equipment.

The hospital's laboratory, dental unit, ophthalmology department, Orthopaedic unit,and theatre will also be equipped under the project.

Eng.Otim said the contractor, National Enterprise Corporation (NEC),had committed to completing the works within six months,with the project expected to be finished by December 31st,2026.

Masindi Hospital Acting Executive Consultant,Dr.Rogers Musinguzi,welcomed the development, noting that the new infrastructure would significantly improve service delivery at the facility, which has been struggling to cope with increasing patient numbers.

The Chief Administrative Officer of Masindi District, Samuel Ruhweza Kaija, clarified that of the shs 58 billion allocated to the project,shs 47.7 billion will be spent on construction works,while shs 11.3 billion has been earmarked for procurement of modern medical equipment.

Kaija noted that staffing levels in primary health care facilities stand at 61 percent,while Masindi General Hospital operates at only 38.8 percent staffing capacity.He added that the hospital currently lacks specialist consultants,but discussions with the Ministry of Health are ongoing to recruit consultants ahead of AFCON 2027.

Masindi District Chairperson Patrick Wobusobozi, pledged that district leaders would work closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to monitor project implementation and ensure timely completion.

He also appealed for the establishment of a biomedical workshop to support maintenance and sustainability of the hospital's medical equipment.