The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concern over the state of medical services at China-Uganda Friendship Hospital in Naguru, warning that the facility is operating below the standards of a regional referral hospital.
Committee chairperson Goretti Namugga told Parliament that the hospital appears to function like a district facility despite its higher status. She was responding to findings in the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ending 2025.
Namugga criticised the hospital’s limited capacity, citing a single functional ambulance and a constrained budget. She said the situation had left critical services, including the intensive care unit, struggling to operate effectively.
“We are paying staff salaries, but service delivery remains poor. A regional referral hospital cannot operate like this,” she said.
She added that government should consider closing the facility if funding cannot be increased to support essential operations. Namugga also called for the matter to be escalated to the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, describing it as urgent.
Other committee members questioned the hospital’s strategic direction. Gonzaga Sewungu asked why the facility bears China’s name despite limited visible support, and suggested exploring stronger partnerships to boost funding.
The director of the hospital, Dr Irene Nayiga, defended the institution and appealed for increased funding. She said the hospital requires at least Shs40 billion annually, up from the current Shs 12 billion allocation.
Nayiga added that plans are underway to expand the facility, with discussions ongoing with Kampala Capital City Authority to secure land.
The Auditor General’s report highlighted several weaknesses, including poor procurement planning, staffing gaps, and failure to implement key activities. It also pointed to obsolete medical equipment, inadequate maintenance budgets, and delayed submission of performance reports.
The committee further noted low collection of non-tax revenue, which has affected government funding for health services.
