Hoima
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja has launched major health infrastructure projects in Hoima District, including the expansion and rehabilitation of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and the upgrade of Buseruka Health Centre III, as Uganda steps up preparations to host AFCON 2027.
The groundbreaking ceremony held at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital on Friday included the launch of a new Accident and Emergency complex with a 150-bed capacity.
Nabbanja said the expansion is aimed at improving emergency response services, reducing congestion, and ensuring the facility meets international standards ahead of the continental tournament and increased activity linked to Kabalega International Airport.
She noted that government has invested about 545 billion shillings in development projects across the Bunyoro region as part of AFCON preparations, excluding funding for Hoima City Stadium. She added that the health infrastructure upgrades are part of a broader strategy to strengthen service delivery and prepare for increased regional traffic.
Nabbanja also confirmed that the projects will be implemented by the UPDF Engineering Brigade and are expected to be completed within six months, with handover scheduled for December 31, 2026.
At Buseruka, the Prime Minister also launched the upgrade of Buseruka Health Centre III to Health Centre IV status.
The 5.6 billion shilling project will be complemented by an additional 2.3 billion shillings for equipping the facility to required standards. She said the upgraded health centre will serve airport users, AFCON visitors, and surrounding communities while easing pressure on Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and Kigorobya Health Centre IV.
Health State Minister Dr. Charles Ayume said Hoima Regional Referral Hospital will also receive an MRI machine to strengthen emergency response capacity and meet CAF requirements for treating international guests during the tournament.
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang said Uganda is in the final stages of AFCON preparations but warned that delays in key infrastructure such as the Hoima–Busunju road and Kabalega International Airport could affect readiness ahead of a CAF inspection scheduled for August.
In response, Prime Minister Nabbanja assured that works at Kabalega International Airport will resume, including the construction of a passenger terminal worth 182 billion shillings, adding that government remains committed to completing all planned projects.
Hoima District leaders, led by Chairperson Uthuman Mugisha Kadiri, welcomed the developments but urged government to extend piped water services to water-stressed communities in Buseruka and Kabale Sub-counties. Leaders also called for increased local content in project implementation to ensure communities benefit from employment opportunities.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by several government officials, including ministers for Bunyoro affairs, primary health care, and sports, alongside district leaders and technical teams.
The News Editor ,Reporter at Kagadi Kibaale community Radio
