KATAKWI – Anticipation is high among residents of Katakwi District following the pre-launch of the rehabilitation and expansion of Katakwi General Hospital in Eastern Uganda.
The colourful ceremony was presided over by Vice President Jessica Alupo and H.E. Amokrane Mourad, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Uganda. It was witnessed by local government leaders, hospital administrators, regional security chiefs, and officials from the Ministries of Health and Finance.
This milestone follows the signing of a $13.7 million (approximately UGX 50 billion) grant cooperation agreement between the Government of Uganda and the Government of Algeria aimed at expanding and rehabilitating the hospital.
Katakwi General Hospital was originally established as a dispensary in 1956 during the colonial administration. It was later elevated to a Health Centre IV under the NRM government and eventually to a district hospital in 2011. However, no corresponding infrastructure upgrades had been made to match its hospital status—until now.
The upcoming works will include the construction of a new Outpatient Department with an Emergency Unit and Operating Theatre, a Radiology Department (X-ray and Ultrasound), and a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit—the first of its kind in Eastern and Northern Uganda.
Other planned facilities include a modern mortuary, 12 multi-storied staff houses, a medical waste management facility, an incinerator, and renovations to the maternity, children’s, male, female, and general wards.
The project also covers the construction of an attendants’ kitchen and laundry, a placenta pit, landscaping, and general beautification of the hospital, among other components.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Alupo described the project as not only a health investment but also a socio-economic catalyst that will strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
“This investment will uplift rural communities by stimulating local economies through job creation and increased demand for goods and services, thereby contributing to regional growth and equity,” she said.
Alupo expressed her profound appreciation to the Government and people of Algeria for this landmark cooperation agreement.
“Today marks yet another milestone in the ever-growing friendship and solidarity between our two nations. We are especially grateful that the first project under this framework is the expansion and rehabilitation of Katakwi General Hospital,” she added.
The Vice President emphasized that once completed, the project will significantly transform healthcare delivery in Katakwi and neighboring districts, benefiting over half a million people—not only today but for generations to come.
She also highlighted the immense benefits the hospital project will bring to Eastern Uganda by improving access to specialized care, reducing delays in treatment—especially during emergencies—and improving survival and recovery rates.
Alupo further appealed to the Algerian government to consider supporting a second phase of the project, which would include the construction of additional modern wards, provision of advanced medical equipment, and training for healthcare workers.
“This will ensure our Ugandan professionals are well-equipped to utilize the new infrastructure, guaranteeing the highest standards of care for our people,” she said.
“We look forward to continuing this journey of cooperation, guided by the shared values of friendship, solidarity, and mutual development.”
She also noted the growing trade relationship between Uganda and Algeria, citing an increase in Uganda’s coffee and milk exports to the North African nation.
Ambassador Mourad praised the people of Katakwi for their warm reception and noted that the idea for the hospital’s rehabilitation and expansion originated with Vice President Alupo.
“This project is the initiative of H.E. the Vice President. It has been in development since 2022, shortly after the world emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. The VP approached us with this request, recognizing the urgent need to upgrade Katakwi Hospital into a modern facility,” he said.
He affirmed Algeria’s continued commitment to supporting Uganda in the successful implementation of the project and applauded the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Dr. Ichumar Simon Omeke, the District Health Officer, noted that the rehabilitation will bring significant benefits to communities in Katakwi and neighboring districts by reducing the financial and social burden of traveling long distances for treatment. This includes costs related to transport, accommodation, and food for patients and caregivers.
“The project will also help decongest regional referral hospitals, allowing national facilities to focus on more complex and super-specialized cases,” he said.
Dr. Omeke emphasized that the hospital’s upgrade will strengthen the health system and support human resource development through training and mentorship opportunities for medical interns, nurses, and other professionals.
He added that the hospital will boost emergency and critical care services, while also driving local economic development through job creation, increased demand for services, and improved infrastructure.
“This rehabilitation will promote healthcare equity by bringing specialized services closer to rural communities, narrowing the urban–rural health gap and ensuring fair access for all citizens,” Omeke said.
Resident District Commissioner Stephen Ilemukorit Okure welcomed the project, noting that it would reduce the need for medical tourism, as many residents currently travel to Matany Hospital in Karamoja or Soroti Regional Referral Hospital for advanced treatment.
District Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo praised Vice President Alupo for playing a crucial role in connecting Uganda with the Algerian government, whose generosity will benefit not only Katakwi but the entire country.
