Summary:
- Vice President Rtd. Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel further emphasized the government’s commitment to healthcare development in Katakwi, confirming that plans for a specialized hospital in the district are at an advanced stage, with construction expected to commence soon.
KATAKWI: The government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, plans to develop a modern theater at Katakwi General Hospital during the 2024/25 fiscal year.
Paul Walakiria, Katakwi’s Chief Administrative Officer, announced that the hospital aims to build a UGX 1 billion theater to address infrastructure deficiencies and enhance the health sector, positioning Katakwi Hospital as a major model hospital in the region.
Walakiria expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to elevate the standards of Katakwi’s health facilities, stating that the new theater will help address infrastructure and space shortages, allowing the community to access improved healthcare services.
“Currently, Katakwi Hospital’s theater operates in a narrow space. If the modern theater is built, service delivery will improve significantly,” he remarked.
Katakwi General Hospital, established in 1956 as a dispensary and later upgraded to a Health Centre IV, achieved hospital status in 2011. Serving a population of 2,013, the hospital treats approximately 4,500 outpatients monthly.
In the education sector, Walakiria revealed that UGX 1.5 billion in education funds have been allocated until January, with a supplementary budget planned for new schools. He assured that funds are guaranteed to support teacher salaries in these upcoming schools.
Vice President Rtd. Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel further emphasized the government’s commitment to healthcare development in Katakwi, confirming that plans for a specialized hospital in the district are at an advanced stage, with construction expected to commence soon.
Alupo highlighted that the Cabinet has approved the establishment of this specialized facility, which will serve the eastern and parts of the northern regions, boosting medical tourism and providing referral services similar to those offered by Mulago Hospital.
According to Alupo, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in a letter dated February 1, 2024, announced that with support from U.S.-based partners, the government will establish two modern facilities in Katakwi and Lwengo districts.
The letter, addressed to Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng and Finance Minister Matia Kasaija and copied to key government officials, stated that a U.S. partner has offered to build fully equipped, specialized hospitals in Katakwi and Lwengo, further strengthening Uganda’s healthcare infrastructure.
