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KAMPALA— On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, carried out an inspection of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) National Referral Hospital located in Mbuya, Kampala.

This hospital, hailed as a state-of-the-art medical facility, is set to be officially commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

According to officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), the hospital boasts cutting-edge medical equipment and is expected to transform healthcare delivery for military personnel, their families, and Ugandan citizens.

Some of the key features of the facility include a helipad for emergency airlifts, VIP treatment wings, an emergency unit, physiotherapy services, and specialized medical departments.

During the tour, the CDF was guided by Dr. Ben Mbonye, chairperson of the hospital’s steering committee, through the facility’s six blocks. Gen. Kainerugaba examined the hospital’s modern infrastructure aimed at enhancing healthcare services for both soldiers and civilians.

Gen. Kainerugaba has consistently championed improvements in the welfare of UPDF personnel, with a focus on better healthcare, quality education for soldiers’ children, and modernizing military equipment. Since taking office last year, he has placed emphasis on efficient service delivery to ensure that soldiers are well-supported in fulfilling their duties.

Senior MODVA officials joined the inspection, including Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma and Undersecretary Edith Buturo.

Once operational, the UPDF National Referral Hospital is projected to be a milestone in Uganda’s healthcare system, offering top-tier treatment and strengthening the UPDF’s medical service capacity.

The 275-bed facility, funded by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, was constructed at a cost of $35 million (approximately UGX 129 billion). An additional UGX 30 billion has been allocated for equipping the hospital.

The hospital will function as a referral center within the UPDF healthcare framework and will be open to both military and civilian patients. It will also cater to UPDF soldiers wounded during missions, including operations in Somalia.

Construction of the main hospital block began in February 2018 and was undertaken by China National Aero-technology International Engineering Corporation (CATIC) at a cost of UGX 105 billion.

The outpatient department, constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, was completed in February 2020 and currently serves as the UPDF Officers Diagnostic Centre pending the full completion of the hospital.