UPDF Engineers Hand Over First Phase of Kambuga Hospital Upgrade in Kanungu -

KANUNGU – The UPDF Engineering Brigade has completed and handed over the first phase of Kambuga General Hospital’s upgrade, delivering a cutting-edge operating theatre and 16-unit staff quarters in Kanungu District.

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The first phase of Kambuga General Hospital’s upgrade commenced after the district received 4.2 billion UGX from the allocated 9.7 billion UGX phase-one budget.

The released funds saw 3.4 billion UGX complete the operating theatre and 16 staff quarters, while the residual 800 million UGX will now fund early-stage maternity ward works.

The new on-site staff quarters now offer 16 modern two-bedroom apartments with spacious sitting rooms, fitted wardrobes, kitchens, bathrooms, and backup battery rooms.

The thoughtful design ensures that health workers can enjoy comfortable living quarters while remaining readily available for emergency services.

The commissioning ceremony, held at the facility grounds in Kambuga Town Council, represents the completion of the crucial first phase of a massive 43 billion UGX rehabilitation and expansion master plan funded by the government.

Captain Yunus Ntegeka of the UPDF Engineers’ Brigade detailed the completed works, noting that the first phase, comprising 16 staff units and the modern operating theatre, was originally scheduled for twelve months starting March 23, 2024.

He explained that structural transitions within the UPDF administrative machinery, however, extended the timeline to 36 months, though Captain Yunus stressed the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to structural integrity and reliability.

“The first phase, which encompasses these 16 staff units and the modern operating theatre, was originally scheduled to run for twelve months starting March 23, 2024. The structural transitions within the UPDF administrative machinery delayed the timeline, extending the project lifecycle to 36 months,” Ntegeka explained.

Captain Yunus Ntegeka further assured that all remaining government projects under their charge would be completed on time per contract, with quality uncompromised throughout the process.

Presiding over the commissioning, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kanungu, Catherine Nakaye, commended the UPDF Engineers’ Brigade for doing standardized work.

“Investing in health infrastructure is a core pillar of the government’s development plan. By housing our health workers directly on the hospital premises, we will significantly reduce staff absenteeism, ensure 24-hour emergency coverage, and dramatically improve overall efficiency in service delivery,” Nakaye remarked.

She emphasized that this development aligns perfectly with the government’s vision of Universal Health Coverage and the NRM manifesto commitment to improving healthcare access for all Ugandans.

The Assistant District Health Officer, Kato Besisira, formally welcomed the facilities and pledged to work hand-in-hand with the hospital management committee to ensure proper management for maximum benefit to the community.

Dr. Kasudha Dan, the Medical Superintendent of Kambuga General Hospital, sent his sincere applause to the Ministry of Health, the Government of Uganda, and the UPDF Engineering Brigade for considering Kambuga Hospital, funding it, and delivering quality work.

“Our old operating space was highly restricted. With this new, spacious, and modern theatre, actually two theatres, our surgical teams have the operational room they need to perform life-saving operations safely. We are ready and fully open to serve,” Dr. Kasudha noted.

Dr. Kasudha urged members of the public to come and access the services at the hospital, assuring them that the current increase in infrastructure will directly lead to improvements in service delivery.

Established in 1965 and commissioned in 1968 as a humble 100-bed district hospital, Kambuga has for decades been the lifeline for Kanungu, Rukungiri, and even parts of neighboring DRC.

Now, after years of crumbling infrastructure, blackouts, and unreliable transport, this resilient hospital shines anew, with solar energy, upgraded facilities, and reliable ambulances bringing care closer to the communities it has always served.

The grand overhaul of Kambuga General Hospital represents a major priority in the government’s strategic health framework, under which a total of 43 billion UGX has been earmarked.

A moment of pride: UPDF Engineers transfer the keys to the new staff quarters, marking the successful completion of Phase One.