Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka Highlights UPDF Infrastructure Gains As MPs Tour Referral Hospital, Defence Headquarters

Members of Parliament on the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, who are conducting a countrywide tour of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) establishments, have visited the UPDF National Referral Hospital and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters project to assess their progress and readiness.

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, informed the committee members that the hospital is nearing commissioning, while the headquarters project has reached 87.16 per cent completion.

Hon. Kiryowa described the projects as major achievements in the UPDF’s infrastructure development efforts.

“The hospital and headquarters demonstrate the UPDF’s growing capacity to develop and manage its own infrastructure,” he said.

He explained that the hospital was constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade and funded through savings from the force’s operations, with medical services managed by the UPDF Joint Staff Health Services.

On the headquarters project, Hon. Kiryowa said construction commenced in September 2024 following the groundbreaking ceremony on 24 August 2024.

“The project is expected to be completed in December 2026, and we plan to move into the main building by the end of the year,” he said.

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, Hon. Robinah Rwakoojo, said the visit was aimed at assessing the operational readiness, infrastructure, logistics and welfare of UPDF personnel and their families.

The Chief Executive Officer of the UPDF National Referral Hospital, Brig Gen Ronald Nangamba, said the 375-bed facility was established to provide cost-effective and sustainable referral services to UPDF personnel, their families, Ministry employees and the wider public.

“Healthcare is a major component of national security, and access to affordable and quality healthcare remains a significant challenge in Uganda,” Brig Gen Nangamba said.

He added that the hospital would strengthen the health and operational readiness of the UPDF and MODVA while contributing to national health security.

The visit was attended by Ministry Under Secretary for Finance and Administration Mrs. Edith Buturo, the Joint Staff Health Services, Maj Gen Dr Ambrose Musinguzi; Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, hospital administrators and members of the parliamentary committee.