Health 4 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda beefs up healthcare facilities for Afcon 2027
The Ugandan government has signed agreements to upgrade health facilities in Hoima and Masindi districts, enhancing emergency and general healthcare services in preparation for co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-signs-deals-for-afcon-linked-health-facility-upgrades-in-hoima-masindi-5485662
Uganda is bolstering its healthcare infrastructure in key districts as it gears up to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) alongside Kenya and Tanzania. The government has entered into agreements to significantly upgrade health facilities in Hoima and Masindi.
These upgrades are crucial for meeting the international standards required for hosting major sporting events and ensuring robust emergency medical response. The Memorandums of Understanding were finalized on Thursday, June 4, 2026, between the local governments, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs’ Engineering Brigade, and the National Enterprise Corporation.
Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, chairperson of the Afcon2027 Medical and Doping Committee, emphasized that quality healthcare is a non-negotiable aspect of hosting such a significant tournament. The initiative aims to strengthen emergency systems, improve patient care, and ensure facilities can adequately serve both local populations and visitors.
In Hoima District, Buseruka Health Centre IV is slated for a Shs6.9 billion upgrade. This will include a new accident and emergency unit, radiology department, laboratory, pharmacy, consultation rooms, a theatre, general ward, staff housing, and an improved outpatient department. Hoima Regional Referral Hospital will also receive a new accident and emergency department, an inpatient department, and the operationalization of its Intensive Care Unit, alongside renovations.
Masindi District will see similar enhancements. Masindi General Hospital is set to gain a modern outpatient and inpatient department. Dr. Laurence Musinguzi from Masindi Hospital noted that these investments will boost the capacity of referral facilities serving the wider Bunyoro sub-region.
Masindi Municipality MP Rogers Byamukama highlighted that these projects extend beyond the tournament, promising improved health outcomes for the local communities. He stressed that hosting Afcon necessitates comprehensive development, including infrastructure, healthcare, transport, and security.
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs’ Engineering Brigade, known for its previous infrastructure projects, will lead the implementation. Project sites are expected to be handed over next week, with the Ministry of Health overseeing the process to ensure adherence to standards and timelines.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)