CDF Kainerugaba inspects UPDF national referral hospital
The hospital, described as a state-of-the-art medical facility, is expected to be commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces.
CDF Gen. Kainerugaba (C) and officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans' Affairs at the main building of the UPDF National Referral Hospital in Mbuya in Kampala.
By Admin .
Journalists @New Vision
KAMPALA - The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, inspected the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) National Referral Hospital in Mbuya, Kampala.
The hospital, described as a state-of-the-art medical facility, is expected to be commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces.
Officials at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans' Affairs (MODVA ) have revealed that the hospital, equipped with cutting-edge medical technology, is poised to revolutionise healthcare for military personnel, their families, and Ugandan citizens at large.
Key features include a helipad for emergency air evacuations, Very Important Persons (VIPs) treatment wings, emergency services, physiotherapy units and specialized medical departments.
During the inspection tour, Dr. Ben Mbonye, chairperson of the hospital’s steering committee, guided the CDF through the hospital’s six blocks, where he assessed the advanced facilities designed to enhance medical care for soldiers and civilians alike.
The CDF has been a strong advocate for improving welfare within the UPDF, emphasising better healthcare, education for soldiers' children, and modern military equipment among other welfare initiatives.
Since assuming office last year, Gen Kainerugaba has prioritised efficient service delivery, ensuring that soldiers can perform their duties effectively with full support. 
During the inspection tour, Dr. Ben Mbonye, chairperson of the hospital’s steering committee, guided the CDF through the hospital’s six blocks, where he assessed the advanced facilities designed to enhance medical care for soldiers and civilians alike. (UPDF Photos)
The hospital inspection team on Tuesday included: senior Ministry of Defence officials, including Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma and Undersecretary Edith Buturo.
Once operational, the UPDF national referral hospital is expected to be a game-changer in Uganda’s healthcare sector, offering world-class treatment and reinforcing the UPDF’s capacity to serve the nation.
The construction cost of the 275-bed facility, constructed at $35m (sh129b) is funded by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. The equipment to furnish this hospital is budgeted at sh30b.
The hospital will serve as a referral hospital within the UPDF's health system. Both civilian and military personnel would be attended to. On completion, the hospital will also treat UPDF personnel injured in Somalia.
The construction of the main hospital block started in February 2018, by China National Aero-technology International Engineering Corporation (CATIC), at a cost of shs./105 billion.
The outpatient department, constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade was completed in February 2020 and serves as the UPDF Officers Diagnostic Centre, until the completion of the main hospital.