By John Okello Lapok & Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L.H.D. (Hon.)
KATAKWI, UGANDA — Excitement is high among residents of Katakwi District following the pre-launch of the rehabilitation and expansion of Katakwi General Hospital in Eastern Uganda — a project expected to transform healthcare delivery in the region.
The colorful ceremony was presided over by Vice President Jessica Alupo and H.E. Amokrane Mourad, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Uganda. It was attended by local government leaders, hospital administrators, regional security chiefs, and officials from the Ministries of Health and Finance.
The event follows the signing of a US$13.7 million (about UGX 50 billion) grant cooperation agreement between the Governments of Uganda and Algeria aimed at expanding and modernizing Katakwi General Hospital.
Originally established as a dispensary in 1956 during the colonial era, the hospital was later upgraded to a Health Centre IV under the NRM government and elevated to District Hospital status in 2011. However, its infrastructure has not kept pace with its growing mandate.
Major Facilities to Be Constructed
The project will include the construction of a modern Outpatient Department equipped with an emergency unit and operating theatre, a Radiology Department (X-ray and ultrasound), and a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU) — the first of its kind in Eastern and Northern Uganda.
Other planned facilities include a modern mortuary, 12 multi-storied staff houses, a medical waste management plant, incinerator, and the renovation of the maternity, children’s, male, female, and general wards.
Additional components cover the construction of an attendants’ kitchen and laundry, placenta pit, and landscaping and beautification of the hospital premises.
A Catalyst for Socioeconomic Growth
Speaking during the ceremony, Vice President Alupo described the project as both a health investment and a socioeconomic catalyst.
“This investment will uplift rural communities by stimulating local economies through job creation and increased demand for goods and services — thereby contributing to regional growth and equity,” she said.
The Vice President expressed Uganda’s deep appreciation to the Government and people of Algeria for this landmark cooperation, calling it a milestone in the growing friendship and solidarity between the two nations.
“We are especially grateful that the first project under this framework is the expansion and rehabilitation of Katakwi General Hospital,” Alupo noted.
She emphasized that upon completion, the project will transform healthcare delivery in Katakwi and neighboring districts — benefiting more than half a million people for generations to come.
Alupo also appealed to Algeria to consider supporting the second phase of the project, focusing on the construction of additional wards, provision of advanced medical equipment, and training of health professionals.
“This will ensure that our health workers’ skills match the new infrastructure, guaranteeing the highest standards of care for our people,” she added.
The Vice President, who also represents Katakwi District in Parliament, highlighted the growth in bilateral trade between Uganda and Algeria, noting the steady rise in Uganda’s coffee and milk exports to the North African nation.
Algeria Commits to Stronger Cooperation
Ambassador Mourad praised the people of Katakwi for their hospitality, revealing that the idea to expand Katakwi Hospital originated from Vice President Alupo herself.
“This project was initiated by Her Excellency the Vice President shortly after the world emerged from COVID-19. Having witnessed the devastating effects of the pandemic, she sought support from the Algerian government to transform Katakwi Hospital into a modern facility,” he said.
He reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and development cooperation with Uganda, saying the partnership “will continue to flourish.”
Health and Local Leaders Welcome the Project
District Health Officer Dr. Ichumar Simon Omeke said the hospital’s expansion will reduce the financial and social burdens associated with long-distance referrals, accommodation, and transport costs for families.
“This project will decongest regional referral hospitals and allow national facilities to focus on highly complex and specialized procedures,” Dr. Omeke noted.
He added that the hospital will serve as a training and mentorship hub for medical interns and other health professionals, enhancing the health system’s overall capacity.
Resident District Commissioner Stephen Ilemukorit Okure welcomed the initiative, saying it will reduce medical tourism to other facilities like Matany Hospital in Karamoja and Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
District Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo commended the Vice President for her instrumental role in securing Algeria’s support, saying the project reflects her commitment to the well-being of Katakwi and Uganda at large.
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