VP Alupo flags off construction of Katakwi ultra-modern hospital theatre

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Vice President Jessica Alupo has flagged off the construction of a sh1 billion ultra-modern surgical theatre at Katakwi General Hospital, in a move hailed as a game changer for healthcare in Eastern Uganda.

Speaking at the commissioning on Wednesday, September 10, 2025,  Alupo praised the Katakwi District Council for prioritizing health and commended the UPDF Engineering Brigade for its discipline and professionalism in handling government projects.

“This is how we build a stronger and healthier Uganda,” she said, urging leaders to remain vigilant in delivering services at the grassroots.

Peace, infrastructure, and health priorities

The Vice President emphasized that under President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership, government efforts to secure peace are now being matched with tangible development.

She highlighted investments in roads, electricity, air transport, water transport, and railways, all aimed at improving connectivity and service delivery.

On social services, Alupo reaffirmed the government's commitment to health and education as pillars of socio-economic transformation.

Call to expand Soroti regional hospital

Alupo urged leaders and communities in the Teso sub-region to support the expansion of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital by providing more land, citing congestion and lack of infrastructure at the current site.

“This expansion will benefit the entire Teso sub-region,” she said.

A personal connection

Alupo described the Katakwi project as a long-awaited milestone and a direct response to her 2021 request to the Ministry of Health.

“I feel personally connected to this hospital. I was treated here, and I grew up watching it evolve,” she said, drawing applause from residents.

She confirmed that Katakwi is also set to benefit from other healthcare projects, including a new theatre at Toroma Health Centre IV and upgrades at Aakum Health Centre II, one of the district’s oldest facilities.

Vice President Jessica Alupo planting a tree during the flagged off the construction of the sh1 billion ultra-modern surgical theatre at Katakwi General Hospital. (Credit: Francis Onen)

Sh50 billion expansion backed by Algeria

In a major revelation, Alupo announced a sh50 billion expansion project for Katakwi General Hospital, supported by the Algerian Agency for Cooperation in Solidarity and Development.

She said the project represents not just a health investment but also a symbol of bilateral friendship between Uganda and Algeria.

The Vice President also disclosed that a specialist hospital will soon be constructed in Katakwi to serve Eastern and Northern Uganda, and potentially neighbouring countries.

Zero tolerance to corruption

Alupo made a strong appeal for integrity in all projects, warning that corruption would not be tolerated.

She urged local leaders, contractors, and the community to monitor construction closely, stressing transparency and accountability.

Community, leaders welcome the project

Bosco Okiror, MP for Usuk County, called the theatre a “historic milestone” but reminded the Ministry of Health of pending commitments to Toroma HC IV and Aakum HC II.

Eng. Tusubirwa Samuel, Regional Engineer at the Ministry of Health, said the theatre will house two operating rooms, recovery spaces, and modern equipment.

Captain Noah Opio, head of the UPDF Eastern Engineering Brigade, noted that the UPDF is executing over 150 health and education projects nationwide, with Katakwi a priority.

Deputy CAO Samuel Becker Opio assured accountability, citing sh2 billion already secured for district projects this year.

LCV Chairperson Geofrey Omolo and RDC Stephen Ilemukorit Okure urged residents to guard against theft of materials and to treat public facilities as their own.

A training hub for future doctors

Dr Joseph Emuron, Superintendent of Katakwi General Hospital, welcomed the project, noting that the facility now serves both Katakwi and the wider Teso region.

He confirmed that Katakwi has been cleared to train medical professionals in partnership with Soroti University, but appealed for more staff and upgrades at lower health centres.

Local leaders, including Gabriel Ogele of Angopet cell, said the theatre project aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the President’s healthcare equity agenda.

A new dawn for rural healthcare

The groundbreaking of the ultra-modern theatre brought excitement among residents, leaders, and medical staff, who applauded government efforts to uplift rural health services.

“This modern theatre will boost surgical capacity, but our people must continue observing good health practices, proper nutrition, and hygiene to stay safe from disease,” Alupo noted.