Uganda: Members of Parliament have called on the Government to renovate and upgrade dilapidated health facilities to district hospital status to enhance service delivery. Hon. Joan Alobo (FDC, Soroti City Woman Representative) emphasized the need for improved health infrastructure, referencing President Yoweri Museveni's directives on equipping hospitals, which remain largely unmet.
According to African Press Organization, Alobo highlighted the inadequate infrastructure at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, where male and female patients are forced to share a ward. She urged Parliament to demand a comprehensive report from the Minister for Health on plans to refurbish the hospital. Her plea was made during a parliamentary debate on a motion appreciating the President's State-of-the-Nation Address delivered on 04 June 2026.
Hon. Umar Nangoli (Indep., Northern Division, Mbale City) raised concerns about stalled construction projects at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Plans initiated in 2015 to build a multi-purpose complex for various departments have been delayed due to funding shortages. Nangoli noted that only Shs500 million of the Shs14 billion hospital capital development fund has been allocated, leaving an outstanding requirement of Shs26 billion to complete the project.
Lwemiyaga County MP, Hon. Emmanuel Rwashande, pointed out the lack of health facilities in Ssembabule District, forcing locals to travel across five districts to access healthcare. Rwashande requested that health services be brought closer to the community and that the Ministry of Health establish necessary health centers in his sub-counties.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa underscored the importance of establishing national referral hospitals in various regions to decentralize medical services currently centered at Mulago National Referral Hospital. He suggested leveraging the expertise at institutions like Mbarara University of Science and Technology to enhance regional healthcare delivery.
State Minister for Health (Primary Health Care), Hon. Charles Ayume, announced plans to decongest services in Kampala by extending them to other districts. Oncology units are being established in Gulu, with plans for a new oncology hospital in West Nile approved by Parliament in September 2025. Similar initiatives are planned for cardiovascular treatment across different regions.
Ayume outlined plans to upgrade Mbarara Hospital to national referral status and eventually establish national referral hospitals in Northern, Eastern, and West Nile regions. He acknowledged the financial challenges, estimating a requirement of Shs500 billion to Shs1 trillion. Despite delays due to infrastructure issues like power, Ayume expressed confidence in the readiness for decentralization.
He confirmed the government's recognition of the deteriorating conditions at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital and revealed ongoing plans to improve the facility, including the possibility of relocation or remodeling similar to Masindi Hospital.