President Museveni has launched the construction of Hiinga Karis Medical Hospital and Karis Nursing University in Magere, Wakiso. The multi-million shilling health complex is expected to boost access to specialised medical services in the area.
The facility will include 125 hospital beds, surgical theatres, emergency and diagnostic services such as MRIs and X-rays, four maternity delivery suites, and an intensive care unit with 18 beds. Once completed, it is projected to employ more than 1,000 medical professionals.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Museveni praised the private sector’s growing role in healthcare delivery, saying privately run hospitals often demonstrate better efficiency and supervision than public facilities.
“Private hospitals know how to do things in a simpler way. They control their staff better, and sometimes their supervision is even better than that of government hospitals,” he said.
He added that private health investments help ease pressure on public hospitals and urged Ugandans to focus on productive issues rather than tribal or religious divisions.
“When you hear somebody talking about tribe or religion, those are your enemies. They are lazy people who do not work or understand wealth creation,” he said.
Museveni also reiterated his government’s commitment to the National Resistance Movement’s agenda of peace, development, wealth creation, and regional integration.
Davis Ikiriza, chairman of Karis Medical Hospital and Nursing University, thanked the president for maintaining a peaceful and stable environment that encourages private investment.
“Your Excellency, this represents not only a dream but a commitment to your visionary leadership, where investors can build and thrive,” he said.
He dismissed claims that the project has political ties, insisting it is a community-driven initiative.
“We have deliberately chosen not to engage in political discourse because healthcare should unite us, not divide us as Ugandans,” he added.
Ikiriza said the hospital and university will train nurses and other medical professionals to serve both the local and international markets, strengthening Uganda’s health workforce.
Wakiso NRM chairman Moses Mayanja also commended the President for the peace and stability that have made such investments possible.
“Peace and stability have given investors opportunities, and that’s why we are able to stand firm,” he said.
The event was attended by government officials, health professionals, and local community leaders.
