Katakwi, Uganda: The Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, has flagged off the Shs50 billion expansion and rehabilitation project of Katakwi General Hospital, describing it as a game changer for healthcare delivery in eastern Uganda.
The project, fully funded by the Government of Algeria through its international cooperation agency, will modernize and expand the hospital’s infrastructure, enhance service capacity, and improve access to quality health services for more than 500,000 people across Katakwi and neighboring districts.
Speaking during the launch on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Alupo hailed the partnership as a milestone in the growing ties between Uganda and Algeria, emphasizing that the project would leave a lasting impact on the health sector.
“This project will significantly transform healthcare delivery in Katakwi and neighboring districts — not only for today but for the next generation,” the Vice President said. “The upgraded hospital will ease access to medical services and reduce the burden on regional referral hospitals.”
The Shs50 billion support package was formalized in September through an agreement signed by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija and Algeria’s Finance Minister Abdelkarim Bouzred, under the Algerian International Cooperation for Solidarity and Development Agency.
The project will include modern wards, advanced medical equipment, and training programs for healthcare workers in the Teso sub-region.
“We thank the Algerian government for prioritizing healthcare as a pillar of Uganda’s development. I urge them to continue supporting the second phase of this project to ensure comprehensive medical services for our people,” Alupo said.
She further urged the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance to coordinate closely with the UPDF Engineering Brigade to expedite the construction process, noting that efficient delivery would ensure the community benefits quickly from improved healthcare facilities.
District Leaders Praise Initiative
Katakwi RDC Stephen Okure Ilemukorit said his office would maintain close oversight over the project to ensure transparency and timely completion. “We are monitoring all government projects and will continue to play an oversight role until completion,” he said, also urging residents to report any cases of insecurity as the festive season approaches.
Eng. Aloysius Kabukya, Principal Engineer at the Ministry of Health, assured that the ministry had established a dedicated monitoring team to oversee the construction and equipping of the facility. “We are going to constitute a team that will track the hospital expansion and rehabilitation from start to finish,” Kabukya confirmed.
Hon. Geoffrey Omolo, the Katakwi LCV Chairperson, commended the government and Algeria for prioritizing healthcare development. “We thank the Vice President and the Algerian government for this life-changing initiative. This expansion will address our district’s long-standing health challenges,” he said.
Katakwi District Health Officer, Dr. Simon Icumar Omeke, lauded the Vice President and the Algerian government for investing in health infrastructure, calling it a major boost for Katakwi’s health department.
“We are grateful to the Algerian government for this support. This will greatly improve service delivery and save lives in Katakwi and beyond,” Dr. Omeke said, urging residents to continue health checkups and routine testing to prevent avoidable deaths.
Algerian Envoy Commits Continued Support
Ambassador Amokrane Mourad praised the strengthening bilateral cooperation between Uganda and Algeria, pledging his government’s continued support to Uganda’s social and economic development. “This project symbolizes the friendship between our two nations. Algeria will continue to stand with Uganda in its efforts to build a stronger, healthier population,” he said.
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