Senior leadership of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) conducted a comprehensive inspection of the nearly completed UPDF National Referral and Teaching Hospital in Mbuya, focusing on construction progress and installation of medical equipment ahead of its official commissioning.
Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, who chaired the visit, urged officers to thoroughly evaluate the facility, stating, “this meeting is for all of you to look at the facility and understand the progress of the construction and equipment installation works.”
Col Dr Ambrose Oiko highlighted the hospital’s strategic role in easing the UPDF’s medical burden by reducing the need for overseas referrals, which have placed a significant strain on the force’s healthcare budget. He added that collaborations with both local and international medical institutions had informed the development of efficient staffing structures.
Additionally, 232 uniformed health personnel are currently undergoing advanced training at PhD, fellowship, master’s, and diploma levels. This is complemented by collaborations with institutions in Turkey and specialized hospitals in India.
Mr Ezra Nayoga, representing the consulting firm overseeing the project, confirmed that structural works are complete, with only minor refinements pending.
The hospital is poised to become a state-of-the-art facility, offering super-specialised medical services to local and international patients, including VIPs and VVIPs.
The inspection was attended by Service Chiefs of Staff, members of the Joint Staff, and other senior officers.