Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has revealed that construction of the International Specialised Hospital of Uganda in Lubowa has reached 45% completion.
Addressing the Parliamentary Committee on Health in January ,2025, Aceng stated that the project, approved in 2019 under a Public-Private Partnership with the Italian firm Finasi-ISHU Construction SPV SMC Limited, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Aceng highlighted the need for Shs1.5 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year to ensure proper supervision of the ongoing works. However, Members of Parliament expressed concern that oversight efforts have been hindered, with MPs being denied access to the construction site.
During the session, MPs also pressed for updates on the stalled National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Aceng informed the committee that her ministry had submitted all necessary documents to the cabinet but had not received feedback.
Hon. Ibanda Rwemulikya (Independent, Ntoroko County) criticized the cabinet’s delay, stating, “People are suffering, and the NHIS could significantly improve healthcare access.” Hon. Florence Nebanda (NRM, Butaleja District) echoed this frustration, noting that the National Health Insurance Bill was passed by the 10th Parliament but returned unsigned by the President for further revision.
The Bill, initially proposed in 2021, aimed to establish a mandatory insurance scheme funded by contributions from citizens aged 18 and above, alongside government and employer contributions. Aceng confirmed that revised proposals are awaiting cabinet approval before reintroduction to Parliament.
On funding for medical interns, Aceng assured MPs that provisions had been made for new deployments. She also emphasized the Shs4.004 trillion allocated to the health sector in the 2025/2026 budget, prioritizing disease prevention, community health education, and combating non-communicable diseases.
However, the minister called for the reinstatement of Shs100 billion previously allocated to National Medical Stores for essential medical supplies, warning of the critical need for reagents and testing kits for malaria and HIV/AIDS.