Kampala, Uganda》April 2026
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has unveiled plans to allocate UGX 100 billion to operationalise the long-delayed Lubowa International Specialised Hospital, even before construction of the multi-billion facility is fully completed.
Government moves to prepare hospital for opening
Appearing before Parliament’s Health Committee while presenting the 2026/27 Ministerial Policy Statement, Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng said the funds are intended to ensure the hospital becomes functional immediately after completion.
According to the minister, the hospital is now about 70% complete, with major structural works such as roofing and plastering already finished. The facility is expected to be completed by December 2026.
She emphasized the need for early preparation:
Recruitment of medical and administrative staff has already begun
Planning for installation of specialised equipment is underway
Systems for hospital operations are being set up ahead of time
“It is good to plan early… we need to start operationalisation,” she told lawmakers.
About the Lubowa hospital project
The Lubowa facility, officially known as the International Specialised Hospital of Uganda, is a flagship government project developed under a public-private partnership.
A 264-bed tertiary referral hospital
Advanced services such as cancer treatment, organ transplants, and complex diagnostics
Training and research facilities
Supporting infrastructure including staff housing and conference facilities
The hospital is intended to reduce Uganda’s reliance on expensive overseas treatment, which costs the country millions of dollars annually.
Despite progress, the request for an additional UGX 100 billion has sparked fresh scrutiny from legislators.
Members of Parliament questioned:
Why the hospital does not appear on the official list of government health facilities
Its ownership structure (public vs private)
Accountability for the large sums already invested
By December 2025, government had already committed:
Over UGX 723 billion (US$209 million) spent
UGX 590 billion (US$170 million) still outstanding
Additional future commitments projected in upcoming budgets
This has fueled public debate over the project’s cost, delays, and transparency, with the completion timeline having been revised multiple times since its initial target in 2021.
Senior officials, including the Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary, have reported “great progress” following recent site inspections, with discussions ongoing on requirements for a phased opening.
If completed and fully operational, the Lubowa hospital is expected to:
Strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system
Serve as a regional centre of excellence
Reduce medical referrals abroad
Improve access to specialised treatment locally
The planned UGX 100 billion allocation signals government intent to finally bring the Lubowa hospital into service. However, with construction still incomplete and costs continuing to rise, the project remains under intense parliamentary and public scrutiny.
