Lubowa Hospital Contractor Explains Opposition MPs' Blocked Visit

Finasi-ISHU Construction SPV Limited, the contractor for the International Specialized Hospital of Uganda (ISHU) in Lubowa, has issued a statement clarifying why Opposition Members of Parliament were unable to visit the construction site. The company explained that all site visits must be formally arranged through the Ministry of Health to ensure transparency, stakeholder engagement, and crucially, the safety of visitors and workers on the active construction site.

According to the contractor, project agreements stipulate that visits to the construction site need to be formally notified and coordinated via the Ministry of Health, the designated government representative. This process allows the project team to implement necessary safety, security, and logistical preparations before granting access. Furthermore, these arrangements ensure visitors are equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and have necessary insurance coverage in case of unforeseen incidents.

Finasi/ISHU noted that they received communication about the intended Parliamentary visit on the afternoon of September 10, 2026. While this information was subsequently relayed to the Ministry of Health, formal notification from the Ministry had not been received by the time the delegation arrived. The company also requires advance confirmation of visitor names and numbers to finalize arrangements.

Charles Byaruhanga, Chief Operating Officer of Finasi, emphasized that these procedures are not intended to obstruct access or scrutiny. “This was not about preventing access or avoiding accountability,” he stated. He added that the company remains committed to the project’s completion and is willing to facilitate visits once proper notification and necessary safety preparations are completed through the Ministry of Health.

Finasi/ISHU reiterated their commitment to working with the Government of Uganda and stakeholders to ensure the hospital’s operational readiness, underscoring that the established procedures are for the protection of all involved and to maintain orderly, safe stakeholder engagements.

Source: Nile Post