Government to Compensate Phaneroo Church for Heart Institute Access Road

Construction of a vital access road to the new Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) in Naguru will proceed after the government agreed to compensate Phaneroo Ministries International. The land is essential for creating a dedicated route for ambulances and other hospital traffic.

UHI Executive Director Dr. John Omagino stated that the disagreement between the church and the institute, which had previously threatened the project’s timeline, was brought to President Yoweri Museveni’s attention when direct negotiations failed.

The new specialized cardiac hospital aims to be operational by June 2027. Dr. Omagino emphasized the necessity of multiple access points for a world-class tertiary cardiac hospital to ensure the efficient movement of patients and emergency services. The institute’s master plan includes several access roads to facilitate smooth operations.

While the exact compensation amount is still being determined, the proposed ambulance access road has been integrated into the project’s design. This road will serve as an additional entry point, complementing the two existing access routes. Planners believe that relying solely on the current entrances would severely impede emergency response, especially once the hospital begins handling its projected patient volume.

With the access road issue nearing resolution, UHI Chairperson Dr. James Magara highlighted the institute’s focus on a smooth transition from its current Mulago National Referral Hospital location to the Naguru campus without interrupting patient care. The hospital plans to significantly expand its workforce from approximately 330 staff to around 1,425 personnel once the new facility is fully operational, requiring substantial government funding for recruitment and training.

Civil works on the new 10-acre Naguru campus, which began 16 months ago, are now approximately 55% complete. The completed facility is expected to enhance Uganda’s capabilities in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases, thereby reducing the need for overseas referrals.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)