Rubanda District, Uganda – Excitement is sweeping through Rubanda as construction of a Shs18.5 billion hospital in Muko Subcounty gains momentum, promising to overhaul healthcare access in the region.
The project, spearheaded by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, is transforming Muko Health Centre IV into a fully-fledged hospital, complete with two theatres, four inpatient wards, a mortuary, and six-storeyed residential blocks for medical staff. The facility is set to be operational by June 1, 2025.
During a recent tour of the site, local leaders hailed the development as a landmark moment for the district. They also visited other key government projects, including the new Shs3 billion District Council Hall and the Shs980 million District Health Office.
“This is a game-changer for Rubanda’s health sector,” said Habuhutu Town Council Deputy Mayor, Fabias Ayebare Nkwasiibwe, who attributed the hospital’s progress to effective lobbying by local leaders.
He praised State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi and LC5 Chairperson Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba for championing the cause.
“Their leadership has proven that government can deliver when strategic advocacy meets political will,” he said.
Critical Facilities to Save Lives
Community leaders lauded the inclusion of surgical theatres and a mortuary, especially in a rural region where access to emergency care remains a major challenge.
“This hospital will bridge a critical gap,” said Marius Ariganyira, the NRM Chairperson for Ruhiija Subcounty. “Rural residents will no longer have to risk long journeys to Kabale or Kisoro for urgent procedures.”
Vincent Kibuye, the LC5 Councilor for Muko Subcounty, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that the project demonstrates the power of local engagement in government planning.
Chairman Stephen Kasyaba emphasized that involving local leaders was key to ensuring accountability and community ownership of public infrastructure.
“This hospital belongs to the people. Our role is to ensure it truly serves them,” he said.
Meeting Growing Health Demands
District Health Officer Dr. Abdon Birungi revealed that Muko Health Centre IV currently conducts over 120 deliveries monthly, with at least 40 requiring caesarean sections.
With expanded capacity, those numbers are expected to double.
“This hospital will dramatically improve maternal care, emergency services, and reduce the burden on referral hospitals in Kabale and Kisoro,” Dr. Birungi noted.
Part of a Bigger Vision
The Muko Hospital project forms part of a wider government initiative to expand medical infrastructure in underserved and hard-to-reach areas, particularly across western Uganda.
Rubanda’s mountainous terrain and scattered population have long made healthcare access a persistent challenge.
As completion draws near, anticipation is building. For the people of Rubanda, this hospital represents more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a lifeline.
