Construction of the International Specialised Hospital of Uganda in Lubowa is 45% complete, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng informed Parliament’s Committee on Health on Thursday.
“The project has reached levels that need constant monitoring and supervision, and as such, Shs1.5 billion is needed for supervision in the Financial Year 2025/2026,” Dr. Aceng stated, adding that project completion is anticipated by the end of 2025.
Parliament approved the construction of the hospital in 2019 through a Public-Private Partnership with Finasi-ISHU Construction SPV SMC Limited, an Italian firm. However, MPs have been denied access to the construction site.
Regarding the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr. Aceng revealed that the Ministry had submitted a revised bill to Cabinet but is yet to receive feedback.
“The Ministry completed all the necessary steps and documentation for the National Health Insurance Scheme, and submissions were made. However, there has been no response on this matter,” she said.
Hon. Ibanda Rwemulikya (Independent, Ntoroko County) expressed disappointment with the delay, stating, “I am disappointed with Cabinet. If the health minister submitted this two years ago and nothing has been done, then it is not good. People in this country are suffering yet the NHIS can support their health needs.”
Hon. Florence Nebanda (NRM, Butaleja District Woman Representative) emphasized the need for the swift reintroduction of the NHIS Bill in Parliament.
“In the 10th Parliament, the National Health Insurance Bill was passed and sent to the President, who did not assent to it. He sent it back to the Ministry of Health to come up with a better law. When do we expect it back in Parliament?” Nebanda inquired.
The previous Bill, passed in 2021, proposed a premium contribution system for Ugandans aged 18 and above, with funding to be shared between employees and the government.
Dr. Aceng explained that all modifications to the law require Cabinet approval before reintroduction in Parliament.
Concerning the concerns of medical interns, Dr. Aceng confirmed that funding has been allocated for their deployment.
For the 2025/2026 Financial Year, the health sector has been allocated Shs4.004 trillion. Key interventions include the prevention of high-burden and epidemic-prone diseases, the prevention of non-communicable diseases, and the expansion of community health education.
Dr. Aceng also called for the reinstatement of Shs100 billion to the National Medical Stores, which had been allocated in the 2024/2025 Financial Year.
“This money was meant for essential supplies, testing kits, reagents, and other supplies for malaria and HIV/AIDS, which contribute to the highest burden of disease,” she emphasized.
