Gov’t Commits Shs160bn To Build Uganda’s Most Advanced Muni University Teaching Hospital

ARUA CITY – The Government of Uganda has earmarked Shs160 billion for the construction of a state-of-the-art Muni University Teaching and Research Hospital.

At least Shs30 billion has already been released to kickstart the first phase of the project, which will be built on 10 acres of land at Muni University, officials said.

Speaking to journalists during the inaugural Vice Chancellor’s quarterly media briefing at the university conference hall on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Assoc. Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini, the Vice Chancellor of Muni University, said construction works are scheduled to commence in the 2026/27 financial year, which begins on Wednesday.

Prof. Katrini explained that the university is prioritizing the establishment of a Faculty of Medicine, describing it as a high-end program that requires thorough preparation.

“To train a doctor, you have to commit five years, unlike other programs that run for three or four years. Adequate preparations must therefore be put in place before the program is rolled out,” he said.

He noted that a key requirement for the medical program is a dedicated teaching hospital, adding that construction is planned to begin in the coming financial year.

“This is going to be a state-of-the-art teaching hospital. As Vice Chancellor, I can confidently say this hospital will have no match in Uganda. This is our vision,” Katrini stated. “As Council and Management, we secured a Presidential directive for the construction of this hospital.”

The Vice Chancellor revealed that President Yoweri Museveni directed that the hospital be constructed by Roko Construction Company Limited.

“This is a big blessing for us because the government already has arrangements with Roko. This will significantly reduce the time spent on procurement processes,” he remarked.

Katrini added that the government has appropriated Shs30 billion in the next financial year for the project, which is expected to take about two and a half years to complete, including the procurement of equipment.

He thanked President Museveni for the enormous support extended to the project and said Management and Council remain “forever grateful and indebted” to the President.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the teaching and research hospital is scheduled for August 10, 2026.

Eng. Joel Aita, Chairperson of the Muni University Council, reiterated that Management and Council had worked extensively on the project.

He explained that the design was guided by two major considerations: international standards and medical tourism.

“When our graduates go to work in an American university or any other advanced facility, they should be able to compete favorably. Similarly, if an American doctor comes here for training in tropical medicine, they should find facilities comparable to what they are used to,” Eng. Aita said.

He added that Uganda currently spends over $200 million annually on medical tourism to countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Turkey, and India. The new hospital aims to reverse this trend by offering world-class services locally.

The 250-bed Muni University Teaching and Research Hospital will feature:

Biomedical laboratories, Lecture theatres, Multiple operating theatres, including an organ transplant theatre and one dedicated to women.

Others are; VIP clinics and outpatient departments, a fully equipped radiology unit, a mortuary (cold room) with capacity for 100 bodies, Neonatal ICU, main ICU, dialysis unit, fertility centre with sperm bank, dentistry section, occupational therapy unit, and various specialized laboratories.

General wards, including women’s wards, Administration offices, a VIP wing with two Presidential suites, laundry, kitchen, restaurant, main storage, and solar power installations among other sections.

The project is expected to significantly boost healthcare services in the region and strengthen medical training at Muni University.