Politics 29 April 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Parliament Demands Verified List of 34 Upgraded Health Centres Amid Equity Concerns
Uganda's Budget Committee has flagged discrepancies in the Ministry of Health's claim of upgrading 34 Health Centre IIIs to IVs, demanding a complete list for verification. Lawmakers also raised issues on unfair resource distribution across districts and adequacy of funds for key projects like ambulances and AFCON preparations. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4408/health-committee-submit-missing-list-upgraded-health-centres
Uganda’s parliamentary Budget Committee, chaired by Hon. Patrick Isiagi, expressed serious concerns over reported upgrades of health facilities during a meeting on April 20, 2026. The Health Committee, led by Hon. Joseph Ruyonga, presented its budget report for the upcoming financial year, highlighting the Ministry of Health’s assertion that 34 Health Centre IIIs had been elevated to Health Centre IVs nationwide.
However, MPs noted inconsistencies, with the listed facilities falling short of 34 and some unfinished. Isiagi stressed the need for a precise, verifiable list, warning against unconfirmed claims. Ruyonga acknowledged the information gaps, noting the ministry had just provided details that morning.
The committee was given time to submit the full list for review. Broader debates focused on equity, with Hon. Herbert Ariko questioning why some districts receive repeated funding while others are overlooked. Hon. Paul Omara accused the ministry of ignoring parliamentary approvals.
Additional scrutiny covered the National Ambulance System’s Shs20 billion allocation, estimated to buy around 80 units at Shs250 million each, though feasibility was debated. For AFCON preparations, Ruyonga said Shs26 billion for Hoima Regional Referral Hospital was insufficient compared to the requested Shs40 billion, but Isiagi deemed it adequate.
Source: Parliament of Uganda