Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, who is currently in Algeria, has, on behalf of the Government of Uganda, signed a cooperation agreement with the Finance Minister of Algeria, Abdelkarim Bouzred.
The agreement aims at supporting the implementation of projects in Uganda through the Algerian International Cooperation for Solidarity and Development Agency. The first project under this framework will be the expansion and rehabilitation of Katakwi General Hospital with a grant of USD13.7million (approximately UGX 50 billion).
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija said the signing of this agreement is another milestone in the ever-growing friendship and solidarity between the two nations. “This project will significantly transform health care delivery for Katakwi and the neighbouring districts, benefiting over half a million people, not only for today, but for generations to come,” said Kasaija.
He said the project will ease access to specialised care and also reduce financial and social burden by minimising long travel distances and associated expenses for accommodation, food, and transport for families. Kasaija said this project will decongest regional referral hospitals and also strengthen the health system and human resource development.
He requested the second phase of the project to consider the construction of additional modern wards, provision of advanced medical equipment and training of health workers.
The Algerian Finance Minister applauded the bilateral relations between the two countries and pledged on behalf of the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to fully support the implementation of this cooperation agreement.
