Uganda is constructing a cutting-edge cardiac center at Naguru-Nakawa to boost specialized heart care, reduce the need for overseas referrals, enhance training and research, and create more job opportunities

 

Uganda is constructing a cutting-edge cardiac center at Naguru-Nakawa to boost specialized heart care, reduce the need for overseas referrals, enhance training and research, and create more job opportunities.

The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, represented President Yoweri Museveni at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Heart Institute's new facility, which will have a capacity of 250 beds. This project aligns with Uganda's Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, was attended by various stakeholders, including Mohammed Bin Khalil Faloudah, the newly appointed Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Uganda.

Nabbanja emphasized that the facility aims to set a regional standard, and she assured stakeholders, "We shall not tolerate delays; the people of Uganda deserve a fully operational world-class hospital within two years."

Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare by investing in modern infrastructure. She highlighted that the hospital would not only provide treatment but also contribute to specialized training and research in cardiovascular medicine. “Today's groundbreaking symbolizes hope, progress, and a commitment to ensuring every Ugandan has access to world-class cardiovascular care right here at home,” she stated.

The OPEC Fund for International Development is providing a US$20 million loan for the construction and equipping of the facility, which is part of a $73 million funding package. Other contributors include the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) with $20 million, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) with $30 million, and the Ugandan government providing $3 million.

The new Heart Institute will increase access to cardiovascular services from 12,000 to over 60,000 patients annually, helping reduce fatalities, healthcare costs, and enabling early detection and prevention. Heart disease contributes to 10% of Uganda’s annual deaths from major non-communicable diseases, according to the World Health Organization.

Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, OPEC Fund Director-General, remarked, “Access to efficient and modern healthcare directly impacts quality of life and socio-economic well-being. The new Uganda Heart Institute will offer state-of-the-art equipment and essential supplies to the entire population.”

The hospital will be built on 10 acres of land and consist of three blocks, including three operating theatres, two catheterization labs, and 40 advanced cardiac intensive care units. Dr. James Magara, Chairman of the board of directors, stated, “This hospital will be a game-changer in cardiovascular healthcare, not only in Uganda but across the region. By reducing the need for overseas referrals, we will save millions in foreign exchange and establish Uganda as a hub for medical tourism.”

Uganda Heart Institute Director, Dr. John O. O. Omagino, added, “With 10 floors, 250 beds, 40 ICU beds, three operating theatres, and two catheterization labs, this facility will offer world-class cardiovascular care. It ensures affordable treatment, specialized training, and a reduction in foreign referrals.”

Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, noted that the new hospital will not only save lives but also cut costs for both the government and individuals by eliminating the need for expensive overseas heart treatment and surgeries. She described the project as a major milestone for Uganda’s healthcare system.