Hoima Regional Referral Hospital is steadily improving healthcare delivery for millions of people in the Albertine Region, thanks to expanded services, new facilities, and stronger engagement with the community.
The hospital serves a large population drawn from nine districts of Kibaale, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Kiryandongo, Hoima District, Hoima City, Buliisa, Masindi, and Kyankwanzi as well as refugees from Kyangwali and Palorinya settlements. It also receives patients from neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has increased demand for its services.
Dr. Bwaga Ibrahim, the Hospital Director, said an estimated four million people rely on the hospital. Despite the challenges of congestion, limited infrastructure and unstable electricity, the hospital is making important progress, supported by the Ministry of Health and other partners.
One of the biggest steps forward has been the hospital’s ability to carry out advanced neurotrauma surgeries. These life-saving procedures help patients with brain injuries and blood clots, especially those injured in road accidents, receive timely care without being referred to faraway hospitals. Dr. Bwaga said the service is already making a big difference in a region where such cases are frequent and urgent.
The hospital has also started using its new Intensive Care Unit, which provides critical support for patients with life-threatening conditions such as stroke, severe infections, and surgical complications. The physiotherapy department has been improved as well, helping more patients recover from injuries and neurological conditions.
To improve emergency care across the region, a new regional blood bank is being completed in Kasengo. When launched, the blood bank will help address blood shortages in Hoima and nearby districts. The launch is expected to be officiated by the Prime Minister.
Another major improvement is the installation of a new oxygen plant, which ensures a steady supply of medical oxygen to patients. However, the plant currently depends on a generator, which is costly to run. Producing just 25 oxygen cylinders requires about 400,000 shillings worth of fuel. The hospital is waiting for a dedicated transformer to be delivered so that the plant can operate more efficiently using regular electricity.
“We are doing our best, but relying on a generator is not sustainable,” Dr. Bwaga said. “Once we receive the transformer, we will be able to run the plant consistently and serve more patients.”
To ease pressure on existing wards, the Ministry of Health has started the construction of a 54-bed ward through the National Enterprise Corporation. The hospital is considering using the new ward for paediatric care due to the rising number of children being admitted.
“Congestion in the children’s ward is one of our biggest challenges,” Dr. Bwaga explained. “This new ward will allow us to treat more children in a safer and more comfortable environment.”
In addition to medical services, the hospital is also working to involve the community more directly in healthcare decisions. On 10th April 2025, the hospital held a community dialogue meeting, also known as a “baraza”, where local residents, leaders, and hospital staff discussed service delivery, challenges and possible solutions.
Among the issues raised were unofficial charges and long waiting times. Dr. Bwaga reassured those present that the hospital remains committed to transparency and accountability. He said regular community meetings will continue to give people a platform to express concerns and contribute ideas.
“These barazas allow us to hear directly from the people we serve,” he said. “We are taking their feedback seriously and working to improve where needed.”
As Hoima City grows, especially with the developments in the oil sector, access to reliable healthcare is becoming even more important. Hoima Regional Referral Hospital is responding by focusing on what matters most, quality care, better facilities, and listening to the people who depend on its services.
Dr. Bwaga thanked the Ministry of Health and development partners for their continued support, saying the hospital’s goal remains simple: to ensure every patient receives proper care, no matter where they come from.
