Makerere University has officially handed over the construction site for a new Lung Institute complex as part of activities marking the institute’s 10th anniversary later this month.
The six-storey facility, to be built at Mulago, is expected to significantly boost respiratory health research, care, and training in Uganda and beyond. The Shs 3.6 billion first phase of the project will be executed by CK Associates on land provided by Mulago Hospital.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe commended Mulago for offering land to the university, describing the gesture as a strengthening of the long-standing partnership between the two institutions.
“The contribution of the Lung Institute to Uganda’s health sector cannot be ignored, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. The Makerere Lung Institute (MLI) is extremely important. I have witnessed many people lose their lives to respiratory illnesses,” said Prof Nawangwe.
The chairperson of the MLI Board, Prof Charles Ibingira, said the new facility will include a Pulmonary Care Centre, an Intensive Care Unit, and spaces designed to enhance human resource development and specialized lung health services.
MLI director Prof Bruce Kirenga noted that the institute’s research capacity has continued to grow despite limited space. He said the institute operates the second-largest cold room in Uganda which is capable of storing clinical and research materials.
“Mulago has allocated us this space to synergize our work. We are finalizing a memorandum of understanding with Mulago to further strengthen collaboration in research and clinical care,” said Prof Kirenga.
Mulago Hospital executive director, Dr Rosemary Byanyima, praised the Lung Institute for its contribution to clinical research and trials, saying such initiatives are transforming respiratory health care in the country.
The handover marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Makerere Lung Institute as it prepares to celebrate 10 years of advancing lung health and works towards its vision of becoming a regional centre of excellence in research, care, and innovation.
