Local government leaders in Rubanda District have expressed excitement over the ongoing construction of a Shs18.5 billion hospital in Muko Subcounty, describing it as a game-changer for healthcare delivery in the area.
The project, which is being undertaken by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, is expected to upgrade the existing Muko Health Centre IV to full hospital status by June 1, 2025.
The facility will feature two fully equipped theatres, four patient wards, a mortuary, and six storeyed blocks to house medical personnel.
Lower Local Government leaders toured the site on Thursday alongside other major infrastructure projects in the district, including the Shs3 billion District Council Hall and Office Block and the Shs980 million District Health Office.
Deputy Mayor of Habuhutu Town Council, Fabias Ayebare Nkwasiibwe, credited the achievement to strategic lobbying by District leaders.
He particularly praised State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi and LC5 Chairperson Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba.
“This is an indication that our Government is capable of handling issues regarding service delivery in healthcare,” Nkwasiibwe said.
“It also shows that Kasyaba’s administration has maximally utilised Musasizi’s position at the Ministry of Finance.”
Ruhiija Subcounty NRM Chairperson, Marius Ariganyira, was especially impressed by the inclusion of theatres and a mortuary in the hospital’s design.
He said the facility would significantly improve access to emergency and surgical services for rural residents.
Muko Subcounty LC5 Councilor, Vincent Kibuye, also praised the lobbying efforts that led to the project’s funding, echoing the view that Musasizi’s presence at the Ministry of Finance had been instrumental.
Chairman Kasyaba said the tour was intended to keep local leaders abreast of the district’s development plans, particularly in the health sector. He stressed that involving grassroots leaders would ensure better oversight and stronger community ownership of government programmes.
Dr Abdon Birungi, the District Health Officer, revealed that Muko Health Centre IV currently handles over 120 deliveries a month, with about 40 requiring caesarean sections.
He said those figures could double once the hospital is completed, underscoring the urgent need for improved capacity.
“This hospital will not only enhance the quality of maternal and emergency care but also reduce pressure on referral facilities in Kabale and Kisoro,” Dr Birungi said.
Completion of the project is slated for mid-2025, and expectations are high that it will transform healthcare access in Rubanda, where many residents currently struggle with long distances to medical services.
The hospital is part of a broader push by the government to expand health infrastructure in underserved areas, especially those in hard-to-reach regions of western Uganda.