On April 1st, 2025, a section of the nearly completed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital collapsed during heavy rains. The UGX 8.4 billion project, intended to improve critical care in the Greater Bunyoro Region, is now under scrutiny for possible construction flaws.
The collapse has sparked concerns about the safety of Uganda’s healthcare infrastructure and could further delay the facility’s opening.
Hoima Hospital’s Role in Regional Healthcare
Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, located 200 km west of Kampala, serves over 3 million people across Hoima, Masindi, Kibale, Kiryandongo, Bulisa, Kyankwanzi, Kiboga, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Established in 1935 and upgraded in 1994, the hospital has long struggled with resource constraints, including drug shortages and water supply issues.
The ICU was expected to address the hospital’s growing demand for specialized care, with at least 30 patients requiring intensive care weekly.
Project Management and Contractor Scrutiny
Unveiled by the Ministry of Health on 7th January 2025, the ICU was constructed by Excel Construction. Reports indicate that the collapsed section was an unapproved addition, allegedly for aesthetic purposes.
The hospital administration has distanced the core ICU structure from the failure, but concerns persist about overall construction quality and oversight. Investigations will determine whether other parts of the facility may also be at risk.
Impact on Healthcare Delivery
The ICU’s collapse delays the hospital’s ability to offer critical care, leaving severely ill patients dependent on referrals to hospitals in Kampala.
With existing staffing shortages and budgetary constraints, this incident exacerbates the challenges Hoima Hospital faces.
Patients needing urgent care, such as those with neonatal complications, accidents, or kidney failure, could experience life-threatening delays.
Investigations and the Future of the ICU Project
Authorities are expected to investigate the incident thoroughly, ensuring that safety standards are met before the facility opens.
The Ministry of Health may also face pressure to enhance contractor oversight and prevent similar setbacks in future hospital projects.
Broader Infrastructure Challenges in Uganda’s Health Sector
The Hoima ICU collapse mirrors broader issues in Uganda’s healthcare infrastructure. Similar delays in maternity and pediatric projects at Hoima Hospital highlight systemic problems in funding and execution.
The incident underscores the urgent need for strict quality assurance in hospital construction, especially given Uganda’s seasonal heavy rains.
The collapse of Hoima Hospital’s ICU section raises serious concerns about construction integrity in Uganda’s healthcare sector. While the administration downplays structural risks, the public demands accountability.
Authorities must act swiftly to investigate the failure, reinforce safety standards, and ensure the ICU is completed without further setbacks.
