Residents of Kanungu District have received a major healthcare boost following the completion of the first phase of the Shs43 billion rehabilitation and expansion of Kambuga General Hospital, a project expected to transform the facility into a regional referral hospital.
The completed phase includes a modern operating theatre and a 16-unit staff housing complex constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade. The facilities have now been officially handed over to Kanungu District Local Government, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s ongoing transformation.
Funded entirely by the government, the ambitious project has been allocated Shs30 billion for construction works and Shs13 billion for the procurement of modern medical equipment. Authorities say the investment is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services across the Kigezi region and surrounding areas.
UPDF Engineering Brigade officials said the project is being implemented in phases to ensure that hospital services continue uninterrupted during construction. They reaffirmed their commitment to completing the remaining works while maintaining the quality standards already demonstrated in the first phase.
District leaders welcomed the development, describing it as a game-changer for healthcare delivery in the area. They noted that accommodating health workers within the hospital premises will improve attendance, strengthen emergency response, and enhance the overall efficiency of medical services.
The newly completed housing facility consists of two blocks containing 16 self-contained units. Each unit is equipped with two bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen, bathroom, toilet, fitted wardrobes, and a battery room designed to provide backup power when needed.
Health officials also hailed the commissioning of the new operating theatre, saying it will significantly improve surgical services. The upgraded facility provides more space and better working conditions for medical teams, enabling them to perform critical procedures more effectively and serve more patients.
Established in the 1960s, Kambuga General Hospital serves thousands of people from Kanungu, Rukungiri, Rukiga and neighboring parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Once the entire upgrade project is completed, the hospital is expected to emerge as a key referral center in southwestern Uganda, offering specialized healthcare services and improved treatment outcomes for the region.
