The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Tuesday toured the newly constructed UPDF National Referral Hospital in Mbuya. This marked a major step in Uganda’s journey to improve healthcare for its soldiers and citizens. The hospital is expected to be officially opened by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni soon.
The new hospital is already being described as a game-changer for military health services in Uganda. It consists of six large buildings that are all connected and equipped with the latest medical technology. Some of its most important features include a helipad for airlifting emergency patients, VIP treatment rooms, units for physiotherapy and rehabilitation, a full emergency and trauma center, and high-tech diagnostic and surgical departments.
General Muhoozi was guided through the hospital by Professor Ben Mbonye, one of Uganda’s top doctors. Prof. Mbonye explained how the facility will work and how prepared it is to begin treating patients. The CDF was also accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, including Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma and Undersecretary Edith Buturo.
Since he became the CDF in March 2024, General Muhoozi has made improving the lives of soldiers and their families one of his top priorities. He believes that giving soldiers better healthcare, housing, and education not only helps them live better lives but also makes Uganda’s army stronger and more ready for any challenge.
The UPDF National Referral Hospital is one of several major projects being carried out by the Ministry of Defence to modernize military facilities. Other projects include fixing up regional military health centers and working with universities to improve medical training for army doctors and nurses.
This new hospital will serve more than 50,000 soldiers and their families. But it’s not just for the military—it will also treat civilians, especially those who need advanced or specialist care. In a country where many hospitals are overwhelmed, this comes as welcome news. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda has one doctor for every 25,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one doctor per 1,000 people.
The Mbuya facility is expected to help close this gap, especially when it comes to emergency and trauma care. One of the hospital’s biggest strengths is its helipad, which will allow helicopters to bring in patients from remote or dangerous areas
