news 19 September 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Lubowa Hospital Contractor Explains MP Access Denial Amid Safety Concerns
The contractor for the International Specialized Hospital of Uganda (ISHU) in Lubowa, FINASI/ISHU, has stated that opposition MPs were denied site access due to safety protocols, not to avoid scrutiny. The company emphasized the need for formal coordination through the Ministry of Health for any visits to the active construction zone. Source: https://observer.ug/news/lubowa-hospital-contractor-cites-safety-for-denying-mps-access
FINASI/ISHU, the company constructing the International Specialized Hospital of Uganda (ISHU) in Lubowa, has addressed the recent incident where Members of Parliament (MPs) were reportedly turned away from the project site.
The contractor insists the decision was strictly based on safety regulations and not an attempt to block parliamentary oversight. The hospital project, which began construction in June 2019 with an initial two-year timeline, has faced repeated delays in its completion.
Records from the Ministry of Finance indicate that approximately Shs 723.75 billion had been disbursed by December 2025. However, opposition MPs estimate the government’s total financial commitment to be closer to Shs 1.5 trillion.
In a statement, FINASI/ISHU explained that visits to active construction areas must be formally arranged through the Ministry of Health, as per the project’s agreement. This process ensures proper safety measures and insurance coverage are in place.
The company noted that it received an informal request for a visit from the Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, on the afternoon of September 10. FINASI/ISHU immediately notified the Ministry of Health, as formal notification is required. However, by the time the delegation arrived, no official communication had been received from the ministry.
Charles Byaruhanga, FINASI/ISHU’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted that while the company understands the public’s interest in the costly project, safety remains paramount. “As the hospital remains an active construction site, all visits require advance confirmation of the names and number of visitors so that the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can be prepared,” he stated.
Byaruhanga further clarified that without prior details or formal ministry notification, FINASI/ISHU could not implement the necessary safety protocols. He reiterated that the company is prepared to facilitate visits once formal procedures through the Ministry of Health are followed within adequate timeframes. “This was not about preventing access or avoiding accountability,” he added.
FINASI/ISHU affirmed its readiness to host properly coordinated visits once the necessary arrangements are completed following official channels.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)