The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, commissioned the groundbreaking ceremony for the major upgrade and construction of Masindi Main General Hospital.
The hospital has been allocated 58 billion shillings to transform it into a brand-new facility functioning at the level of a referral hospital. The project will equip the hospital with state-of-the-art medical machinery and feature multiple blocks, with each block accommodating 125 beds.
According to the Prime Minister, construction is slated to take six months, with completion targeted for December this year. She urged the contractor to deliver the highest quality of work, emphasizing that they must employ local residents from around Masindi to maximize community benefit.
This development is part of a broader government initiative to upgrade healthcare infrastructure in Hoima and Masindi districts as Uganda prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next year. The targeted facilities include Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital, and Buseruka Health Centre III in Hoima, which will be elevated to a Health Centre IV.
Following the groundbreaking, the Prime Minister visited Hoima City Stadium, one of the host venues for the tournament. She explained that Uganda is rapidly enhancing its healthcare system to handle any medical needs associated with the AFCON 2027 tournament, adding that these modern facilities will continue to serve Ugandans long after the sports event concludes.
The Premier encouraged residents in Bunyoro sub-region to seize the economic opportunities brought by the influx of international visitors.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by several government officials, including State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs Grace Mary Mugasa, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, and State Minister for Health (Primary Health Care) Dr. Charles Ayume.
During the event, Sports Minister Peter Ogwang revealed that the government is also constructing Masindi Stadium at a cost of 20 billion shillings. The stadium will serve as an official training ground for teams competing at the Hoima National Stadium and will be built to matching international standards.
The Masindi District Chairperson, Patrick Wobusobozi, welcomed the investments and pledged that the local leadership will work hand-in-hand with the contractors to closely monitor the project and ensure its successful completion.