The Executive Director of Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Dr. Charles Kabugo, has revealed that the hospital has not yet received any official communication regarding President Yoweri Museveni’s pronouncement to downgrade the facility from a national referral hospital to a district hospital. This announcement, made by the President, has caused concern among hospital staff and the public, as the implications for services, staffing, and funding could be significant.
Dr. Kabugo shared this update while appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, where he led a team from Kiruddu Hospital. The meeting was convened to address questions raised in the Auditor General’s report for the financial year 2024/25. The report scrutinizes how public funds are being used, and Dr. Kabugo’s presence reflected the hospital’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Despite the high-level announcement, Dr. Kabugo emphasized that no official notice or directive has reached the hospital. He explained that until formal communication is received, the hospital will continue operating as a national referral facility, providing specialized care to patients from across the country. The lack of clarity has left staff uncertain about their future roles and the hospital’s capacity to maintain current services.
Healthcare experts have noted that downgrading a referral hospital could disrupt critical services, affecting not only Kampala but also patients from surrounding districts who rely on Kiruddu for advanced medical care. Dr. Kabugo appealed for clear guidance from the government to ensure that the hospital can plan effectively and continue to deliver high-quality healthcare.
The Public Accounts Committee is expected to follow up with government officials to clarify the situation, ensuring that any decisions about the hospital’s status are communicated formally and transparently. Meanwhile, Kiruddu Hospital continues to serve thousands of patients, emphasizing its commitment to healthcare excellence despite the looming uncertainty.
