Shs 1.3trillion Lubowa Hospital set for phased opening

Uganda’s long-delayed Lubowa International Specialised Hospital is set for a phased opening, the Ministry of Health has announced.

Following a tour of the facility on Wednesday Dr Diana Atwiine, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary said significant progress had been made and that soon it would be opened.

“We held discussions with the project team on key requirements ahead of the phased opening. Great progress being made,” she said.

Atwiine did not indicate when the phased opening would begin or the conditions required before the facility becomes operational.

The Lubowa hospital project, officially known as the International Specialised Hospital of Uganda, was conceived as a high-end medical facility aimed at reducing medical referrals abroad. 

It is expected to offer specialised services such as cancer treatment, organ transplants and advanced diagnostics.

However, the project has been dogged by controversy over its cost and slow progress.

Earlier this year, officials from the Ministry of Finance told Parliament that US$209.1 million (Shs723.75 billion) had already been spent on the project as of December 2025. The funds represent payment of 12 promissory notes issued to the contractor.

Lawmakers were also informed that US$170.6 million (Shs590.2 billion) remains outstanding, with an additional Shs142.3 billion projected for future commitments in the 2026/2027 financial year.

This brings the total projected cost of the hospital to about Shs1.3 trillion, making it one of the most expensive health infrastructure projects in Uganda’s history.

The project has faced repeated scrutiny from Parliament, civil society groups and the public. Critics have questioned the value for money, citing delays in completion despite the large sums already paid.

Government has defended the investment, arguing that once complete, the hospital will reduce the cost of medical treatment abroad and improve access to specialised healthcare within the country.