Kampala, Uganda – Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has tabled a motion in Parliament seeking approval for Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to sublease five acres of its land to Kabale University.
The move aims to facilitate the expansion of the university’s teaching facilities for its Faculty of Medicine, addressing critical space constraints.
Dr. Aceng presented the motion before Parliament, emphasizing the need for enhanced infrastructure to support medical training in the region.
Upon approval, the sublease will enable Kabale University to construct additional lecture halls, laboratories, and administrative offices, thereby enhancing its capacity to train future healthcare professionals.
The motion received strong backing from legislators, including Hon. Dr. Charles Ayume, who underscored the symbiotic relationship between medical training institutions and universities.
“A university and a medical training facility complement each other both stand to benefit. Anything that improves infrastructure for medical students is welcome, as it ultimately enhances healthcare delivery in Uganda,” said Dr. Ayume.
Despite widespread support for the proposal, Hon. Tony Ayoo (Kwania County) and other lawmakers urged caution, emphasizing the need for due diligence before approving the sublease.
“We must ensure that the land transfer follows proper procedures and that the hospital’s operations are not adversely affected,” Ayoo stated.
Meanwhile, Hon. Joseph Ruyonga (Hoima West) affirmed the urgent need for expanded facilities, citing the university’s struggle with inadequate teaching and laboratory space.
Parliament will deliberate further on the motion in coming weeks, with a final decision pending scrutiny of the sublease terms and its impact on Kabale Hospital and the university’s medical expansion.