Bugiri General Hospital in Eastern Uganda is set to undergo a major upgrade that will see its bed capacity more than double and its services significantly expanded, a move expected to improve community health outcomes and reduce maternal and infant mortality.
Following renovation works funded by a $20 million (approximately Shs74.6 billion) low interest loan from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, approved by Parliament, the hospital’s bed capacity will expand from 100 to 250.
Presenting the motion in Parliament on Wednesday, 10th September 2025, during a plenary meeting chaired by Speaker Anita Among, Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, highlighted the benefits of the project.
“This intervention will increase life expectancy by facilitating more deliveries in health facilities, reducing maternal and infant deaths, and improving survival rates for accident cases,” he said.
The project will expand the hospital’s bed capacity from 100 to 250, establish a fully equipped accident and emergency unit, and increase staff accommodation from 83 to 115 housing units.
Musasizi noted that the renovation will expand access to medical services, provide both economic and social benefits for patients and staff, and strengthen the health system with a renewed emphasis on primary healthcare.
Hon. John Bosco Ikojo, Chairperson of the Committee on National Economy, stressed the urgency of renovating Bugiri Hospital, noting that the facility, built in 1971, has never undergone major rehabilitation despite serving between 500,000 and 600,000 people from Bugiri and surrounding districts.
“This hospital is crumbling while thousands of people depend on it,” Hon. Ikojo said. “A major renovation is no longer optional, it is a necessity.”
He added that the hospital’s infrastructure is in poor condition, with severe roof leaks, broken doors and windows, worn-out plumbing, collapsed water and sewage systems, and inadequate space in wards and outpatient areas.
Echoing the importance of the project, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa described the loan as the best procured by Parliament, noting that even high-profile patients had previously been unable to access adequate care due to the hospital’s poor condition.
“Parliament has made a smart move with this loan,” he said. “Before this, Bugiri Hospital was failing patients, including high-profile ones, due to its dilapidated condition.”
The Committee on National Economy has urged the government to include the Bugiri Hospital project in the FY 2025/26 budget to ensure sustainable financing and strengthen ongoing health services.
The renovation of Bugiri General Hospital marks a significant step toward improving healthcare in Eastern Uganda. With upgraded infrastructure, expanded capacity, and enhanced medical services, the project is set to save lives, strengthen the health system, and provide lasting social and economic benefits for the community.
By including the hospital in the FY 2025/26 budget, the government aims to ensure that these improvements are sustainable, giving residents of Bugiri and surrounding districts access to quality healthcare for years to come.
