news 30 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Parliament Mandates Audit of Stalled Lubowa Hospital Project Amidst Accountability Concerns
Uganda's Parliament has ordered a comprehensive audit of the International Specialised Hospital of Uganda in Lubowa due to significant delays and a lack of transparency surrounding the multi-billion shilling project. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/parliament-orders-audit-of-delayed-lubowa-hospital-project-5614786
Lawmakers in Uganda’s Parliament have called for a thorough investigation into the delayed Lubowa hospital project, citing persistent accountability concerns. The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Markson Oboth, directed the Auditor General to conduct a full audit during a plenary session on September 30, 2026.
The directive came after the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, questioned the continued allocation of public funds to the project when Parliament members have been consistently denied access to the site for essential oversight activities. Speaker Oboth emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that even the highest offices are audited and expressing concern over agreements that restrict scrutiny of investor activities.
Several opposition MPs have previously faced hurdles in accessing the Lubowa hospital site, despite attempts by former Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine to facilitate visits. Ssenyonyi highlighted that the project, which began in 2019 with an initial completion target of 2021, has already seen its deadline pushed back approximately seven times. The government has reportedly invested around Shs1.5 trillion into the 264-bed facility.
Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng acknowledged construction delays but reported that the hospital is now nearing 70 percent completion, with specialist training and equipment procurement underway. She also noted that project supervision has been transferred from the Ministry of Health to the Office of the Prime Minister.
Minister of Health Dr. Chris Baryomunsi expressed surprise at the denial of access to MPs on September 16, stating he had previously arranged a site visit. He assured Parliament that access would be streamlined, as MPs have a right to conduct oversight regardless of political affiliation.
The Lubowa hospital project aims to provide specialized medical services, including cancer treatment and organ transplants, to reduce the need for Ugandans to seek treatment abroad. However, it has faced numerous missed deadlines, with the latest completion target set for December 2026.