MASINDI, June 21, 2026 — The government has officially launched the redevelopment of Masindi General Hospital, committing Shs 58 billion to transform the ageing facility into a modern healthcare centre ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON 2027].
The groundbreaking ceremony, held recently at the hospital premises, was presided over by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who urged local leaders to closely supervise the project to guarantee quality and accountability.
“Ensure that everything is adequately supervised; nothing should be stolen from here. Everything should be done to standard since we are going to host many visitors from across the globe during AFCON,” Nabbanja said.
She noted that government had already invested more than Shs 545bln in infrastructure development across the Bunyoro sub-region and called on residents to safeguard and support the ongoing projects.
Nabbanja also appealed to Masindi Municipality authorities to improve sanitation standards, rehabilitate dilapidated structures and equip market vendors with better hygiene and customer service practices.
For decades, Masindi Hospital has struggled under the pressure of an expanding population and deteriorating infrastructure. Established in 1922 as a Uganda Railway dispensary serving about 50,000 people, the hospital now serves more than 500,000 residents from Masindi, Hoima, Buliisa, Kiryandongo, Nakasongola and Nakaseke districts.
Health workers have long faced severe congestion, leaking roofs and ageing facilities. At one point, male patients had to share wards with children after the male ward was converted into a maternity unit to accommodate increasing numbers of mothers.
The redevelopment, to be undertaken by the National Enterprise Corporation [NEC], is expected to be completed within six months.
According to Eng. George Otim, Commissioner for Health Infrastructure at the Ministry of Health, the upgraded hospital will include a regional referral-level outpatient department, a CT scan unit, X-ray services, a 125-bed ward, a modern laboratory, theatre facilities and an orthopaedic department.
Of the total project cost, Shs 11 billion has been earmarked for medical equipment and furnishing.
“This project must be delivered by 31 December 2026 because it will serve as a key facility during AFCON 2027. We are going to ensure that everything is done to global standards,” Otim said.
He added that the project would also improve water access through the construction of a deep borehole to supplement supply from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation.
Dr Rogers Musinguzi, Executive Consultant at Masindi Hospital, said the redevelopment comes at a critical moment as the facility battles acute space shortages.
“We were compelled to relocate mothers to the male ward because we had no space in the maternity ward. Currently, females are sharing wards with males because of the reorganisation required to accommodate maternity services,” Musinguzi explained.
However, officials warned that infrastructure alone would not solve the hospital’s challenges.
Samuel Kaija Ruhweza, Masindi’s Chief Administrative Officer, said the district continues to face critical staffing shortages.
“We are still missing key cadres, including special grade medical officers, midwives, specialists, physicians, gynaecologists, paediatricians and a surgeon, especially at Masindi General Hospital,” he said, calling on government to provide funding for recruitment.
Masindi Municipality MP Rogers Byamukama welcomed the investment, describing the hospital as critical infrastructure for AFCON preparations in Bunyoro.
“AFCON will be here for a short period, but these structures will remain and benefit the people of Masindi for generations,” he said.
Byamukama also appealed for the establishment of additional health centres in underserved sub-counties to reduce congestion at the hospital.
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang expressed confidence in Uganda’s preparations for the continental tournament.
“My appeal to the people of Bunyoro is to prepare for AFCON and ensure you tap into the opportunities that will come with it,” he said.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Primary Health Care Dr Charles Ayume said the redevelopment was necessary because the existing facility no longer met modern healthcare standards.
“This hospital has been upgraded not only for AFCON but for the people of Masindi and tourists travelling to Murchison Falls National Park. Ensure it is fully staffed and desist from absenteeism and extortion,” Ayume said.
The hospital project follows the launch in April of construction works for a Shs 20.2 billion AFCON training facility at Masindi Stadium. The sports complex will include a six-lane running track, floodlights, public amenities and standby power infrastructure as Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
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