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Katakwi District Council has gazetted and allocated more than five acres of land for the establishment of a fully furnished specialised hospital. 

In his letter dated February 1, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni announced that the government, with support from USA-based partners, will establish two new specialised ‘western style’ fully furnished grid hospitals in the districts of Lwengo and Katakwi. 

Museveni stated that he had received a request from one of the USA-based allies offering to construct two new fully equipped and specialised hospitals in the two districts. 

According to him, the two districts lie in a ‘health service shadow’ (lack adequate health services) for specialised treatment of key non-communicable diseases. 

The group, Advanced Electronic Systems International (AES), operating under the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Provident Fund based in California, USA, is led by Javed Husain. 

According to Museveni, Husain has indicated that these hospitals will be supported for one year with staff salaries and specialized doctors, equipment spares for three years, and will be equipped to provide care, pharmacies, and accommodation. 

The facilities will also receive support such as solar power, water treatment facilities, medical-grade encrypted communication systems, first responder infrastructure, and the ability to conduct operations online worldwide. 

He further stated that the hospitals will serve as training centres for young Uganda doctors and medical workers in modern healthcare systems and equipment usage. 

“This capacity will complement our own existing medical facilities and services in these districts and beyond,” the President noted.

He revealed that Husain had informed him that the funding has been provided under the Islamic Development Bank, with Saudi Arabia playing a significant role. 

The funding will be provided as a grant through this channel, utilising Saudi Arabia’s vote. 

Museveni directed the ministers for health and finance to meet with Husain and his team to discuss the modalities of the support and report back with the final position. 

“Please note that this funding is a grant and will not affect our fiscal position or entail any borrowing,” Museveni emphasised. 

During her recent visits to her home district of Katakwi with the latest being on Easter Sunday, Vice President Jessica Alupo confirmed the development stating that the government is committed to ending the need for people to seek treatment in distant facilities and abroad.

On Thursday, Geoffrey Omolo, the district LC5 Chairperson Katakwi revealed that part of the land belonging to Katakwi General Hospital and the former district headquarters land which the council had gazetted for Katakwi Hospital’s private wing, will now be used for a specialised hospital.

He called on the leaders of Teso to ensure that this hospital is built without any interference. 

“It's a blessing and an opportunity for us because this hospital will handle a lot of specialties and training of doctors among others,” he said.