Gayaza — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the construction of Hiinga Karis Medical Hospital, a multi-million state-of-the-art health facility that will provide specialised medical services and enhance access to quality healthcare for Ugandans, particularly those in and around Gayaza and Wakiso.
Located in Magere, the Karis Medical Hospital and Nursing University will feature modern facilities including 125 bed spaces, emergency care services such as MRI, CT scans, and X-rays, surgical theatres, four maternity delivery suites, diagnostic laboratories, and a specialised Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with 18 beds.
Upon completion, the hospital is projected to employ over 1,000 medical professionals, creating significant employment opportunities for Ugandans and contributing to the country’s growing health sector.
President Museveni Commends Private Sector Role in Healthcare
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni commended the private sector for its growing role in health service delivery, praising private hospitals for their efficiency and better supervision systems.
“Private hospitals have some efficiency; they know how to do things in a simpler way. They control their staff better, and sometimes their supervision is even better than that of government hospitals,” President Museveni said.
The President noted that supporting private health investments complements government efforts and helps reduce the burden on public hospitals.
He also urged Ugandans to focus on unity and productivity rather than divisions based on tribe or religion. “When you hear somebody spending their time talking about tribe or religion, those are your enemies. It means they are lazy people who do not work and who do not understand the anatomy of wealth creation,” he remarked.
President Museveni encouraged citizens to stay focused on the NRM’s transformative agenda, which centres on peace, development, job creation, wealth generation, improved service delivery, market expansion, and regional integration within East Africa.
Investors Praise Government for Enabling Environment
Mr Ikiriza Davis, Chairman of Karis Medical Hospital and Nursing University, thanked President Museveni for fostering peace and stability, which he said continues to attract investors to Uganda.
“Your Excellency, this represents not only a dream but a firm commitment and visionary leadership where investors can build and thrive,” he said.
Mr Ikiriza clarified that the project has no political affiliation, emphasising that it is a unifying initiative focused on health and education. “This project has attracted a lot of visibility in this area, and inevitably, some political elements have tried to distort the truth about its ownership,” he said. “We have deliberately chosen not to engage in political discourse because we believe healthcare should unite us, not divide us as Ugandans.”
He explained that Karis Medical Hospital and its Nursing University aim to empower Ugandans with practical nursing skills that meet both local and international standards.
“Our goal is to strengthen Uganda’s health system through infrastructure development and professional training that prepares nurses to represent the country globally,” he added.
The facility, which sits on three acres of land, is expected to be completed next year.
Local Leaders Commend Government for Attracting Investors
Mr Moses Mayanja, NRM Chairperson for Wakiso District, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the peace and stability that continue to make Uganda an attractive investment destination.
“I want to thank President Museveni for the peace and stability he brought, which have given investors opportunities. That is why we are also able to stand firm,” he said.
He noted that the NRM government’s effective service delivery has created confidence among investors and citizens alike, adding that the new hospital will significantly benefit residents in Gayaza, Magere, and surrounding communities.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by government officials, health professionals, investors, and community leaders, all of whom applauded the project as a major step toward improving healthcare access in Uganda.