Gulu City, Uganda: Northern Uganda’s healthcare sector has received a major boost following the official commissioning of the upgraded C-CARE Uganda Gulu Hospital, a modern medical facility expected to transform access to specialised and quality healthcare services across the region.
The upgraded facility, formerly operating as ICM Gulu, was officially commissioned during a colourful ceremony presided over by C-CARE Group Chief Executive Officer Hellen Echevin and attended by religious leaders, medical professionals, government officials and stakeholders from across Northern Uganda.
The hospital has now transitioned from an outpatient clinic into a fully-fledged secondary hospital equipped with inpatient services, critical care units and advanced diagnostic capabilities.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Echevin described the expansion as part of C-CARE’s broader vision to decentralise specialised healthcare services and bring quality medical care closer to communities outside Kampala.
“We have to allow you to go as far as possible,” Echevin told doctors and healthcare workers while pledging continued support through equipment provision and capacity strengthening.
The upgraded facility now operates with a 45-bed capacity, with management also announcing plans to introduce ambulance services and further expand specialised treatment units.
Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese, John Baptist Odama, hailed the establishment of the modern healthcare facility as a timely intervention for Northern Uganda, saying access to quality healthcare remains critical for the region.
“By providing healthcare to the sick, they are doing God’s work,” Archbishop Odama said.
He urged medical workers to execute their duties with professionalism, compassion and humanity, while emphasizing that healthcare services should remain accessible to all people regardless of background.
The veteran cleric further described the investment as a significant contribution toward improving dignity and wellbeing among communities in Northern Uganda.
Representing the Uganda Medical Association, Professor David Lagoro Kitara of Gulu University commended C-CARE for expanding healthcare investment in the region.
Professor Kitara noted that Northern Uganda has long faced gaps in specialised healthcare services, forcing many patients to travel to Kampala for advanced treatment. “This is a welcome intervention for the people of Gulu and neighbouring districts,” Prof Kitara said.
He, however, appealed to the hospital management to consider adding an MRI machine to strengthen diagnostic capacity and improve specialised treatment services.
Responding to the request, Dr Andrew Mugalu, the General Manager of C-CARE Gulu Hospital, revealed that acquisition of an MRI machine was already under consideration as part of the hospital’s expansion plans.
Dr Mugalu explained that the facility’s upgrade was informed by increasing demand for quality healthcare services in Northern Uganda. “As C-CARE prepares to celebrate 30 years of existence later this year, we remain committed to improving the quality of healthcare services through the Gulu hospital,” he said.
He added that the transition into a secondary hospital marks a new chapter in healthcare delivery for Northern Uganda and surrounding regions.
Meanwhile, C-CARE East Africa Chief Executive Officer Azhar Sundhoo revealed that the hospital is expected to soon receive COSASA accreditation, which would make it only the third accredited healthcare facility of its kind in Uganda.
Sundhoo described the development as a major milestone for private healthcare investment in Uganda. “This is the first time C-CARE is extending critical care services outside International Hospital Kampala.”
He added that the facility is expected to become a centre for clinical excellence, operational efficiency and specialised healthcare service delivery in the country.
Sundhoo also commended the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Health for supporting private healthcare investments aimed at complementing public health facilities.
Health stakeholders at the event noted that the upgraded hospital is expected to significantly reduce referrals to Kampala and improve access to specialised treatment for thousands of patients across Northern Uganda and neighbouring regions.
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