The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) Ultra-Modern Cardiovascular Treatment and Care Hospital marks a monumental milestone in the nation’s journey toward accessible, high-quality cardiovascular care. This event is not just a celebration of the physical construction of a state-of-the-art facility but also the culmination of years of dedicated planning, advocacy, and collaboration among numerous stakeholders.
A Journey of Determination and Growth
The story of the Uganda Heart Institute dates back to 1958 when cardiovascular care was merely a department within Mulago National Referral Hospital. Over the years, the dream of establishing an independent, specialized cardiovascular care center grew steadily. In 2010, this dream became clearer as architectural and engineering designs for a new home were developed, alongside cost estimates to seek funding.
The enactment of the Uganda Heart Institute Act in 2016 provided the institute with a stronger mandate, empowering it to expand its services and pursue the resources needed to achieve its goals. In 2021, a mission led by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) resulted in securing the much-needed funding for this grand project.
By 2023, the Government of Uganda, represented by the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, signed loan agreements with BADEA, the OPEC Fund, and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). This step paved the way for the realization of a world-class cardiovascular care facility.
The New Hospital: What to Expect
The Uganda Heart Institute Hospital will be constructed on a generous 10-acre piece of land in Naguru, allocated through the directive of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The project includes a complex with 10 levels, featuring a Clinical Block, Administrative Block, and Accommodation Block for medical staff.
The hospital will boast a range of modern medical and support facilities, including:
- Three state-of-the-art operating theaters and two catheterization labs.
- Outpatient department (OPD), general wards for adults and children, and intensive care units (ICU) with 40 specialized ICU beds.
- Imaging services, consultation rooms, emergency units, physiotherapy, and advanced laboratories.
- Training and research facilities to enhance medical education and innovation.
- Accommodation for medical staff and a Farewell Home.
Once completed, the hospital will have a capacity of 250 beds, offering specialized cardiovascular care that is affordable and accessible to all Ugandans.
Project Objectives
The new facility is designed to meet several critical objectives, including:
- Providing affordable, accessible cardiovascular treatment for all Ugandans.
- Improving specialized teaching, training, and research in cardiovascular health.
- Promoting early prevention and timely intervention for cardiovascular diseases.
- Reducing foreign medical referrals, thereby saving foreign exchange.
- Positioning Uganda as a medical tourism destination in East Africa.
Funding and Key Stakeholders
The project is funded by a combination of international partners and the Government of Uganda. A total of $70 million was secured from BADEA, the OPEC Fund, and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), with an additional $3 million contributed by the Government of Uganda.
Several key stakeholders have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development is the borrower on behalf of the government, while the Uganda Heart Institute serves as the implementing agency. Project consultants include ALTIDO HealthCare Consulting, Pan Modern Consults Ltd, and Joadah Consults, with The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co) handling the construction.
Construction Timeline
The construction contract was signed on December 9, 2024, with works commencing on January 6, 2024. The project is expected to be completed within two years, followed by a one-year defects liability period for monitoring and adjustments.
Upon completion, this facility will transform cardiovascular healthcare in Uganda. It will provide ample space and state-of-the-art equipment, enabling the Uganda Heart Institute to fully meet its mandate as enshrined in the UHI Act 2016. Plans are also underway to establish regional heart centers in major referral hospitals across the country to cater to the growing population and demand for specialized cardiovascular services.
The project’s success is attributed to support from various stakeholders, including the President, Parliament, Ministry of Health, government agencies, and international partners. The UHI Board of Directors, founding bodies, and financing agencies are praised for their vision.
