The Government of Uganda has officially launched the upgrade of Buseruka Health Centre III to Health Centre IV in Hoima district, a major investment aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in the Bunyoro sub-region as the country prepares to host the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
The upgrade will introduce critical health facilities including a fully equipped theatre, a general ward, and an expanded outpatient department featuring a pharmacy, radiology unit, and accident and emergency services.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Hoima District on Friday, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja said the project demonstrates Government’s commitment to improving health infrastructure while ensuring Uganda is ready to host Africa’s premier football tournament.
“Buseruka Health Centre IV will be able to conduct complex procedures such as Caesarean sections and handle accident and emergency cases that are currently referred to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and Kigorobya Health Centre IV,” the Prime Minister said.
The project forms part of a broader health infrastructure improvement programme that includes upgrades at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and Masindi General Hospital. Together, these facilities are expected to enhance Uganda’s emergency medical response capacity during AFCON 2027 while leaving a lasting healthcare legacy for local communities.
According to the Prime Minister, the upgraded facility will also significantly reduce congestion at referral hospitals and lower healthcare costs for residents who currently travel long distances to access specialized medical services.
Government plans to invest Shs 545.99 billion in various AFCON-related projects across the Bunyoro region, including healthcare, transport, hospitality, sports infrastructure, water and power services.
The facility serves communities in both Hoima and Kikuube districts, particularly residents from neighbouring Kiziranfumbi Sub-county, who will now access improved healthcare closer to home.
Hon. Peter Ogwang, Uganda’s Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports), who also doubles as the Co-Chair for the AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee, stated that while the upgrades are linked to AFCON 2027 preparations, their benefits will extend far beyond the tournament.
“These facilities will serve all the people of Uganda beyond AFCON 2027 and contribute to improved healthcare outcomes for years to come,” he noted.
Hon. Dr. Charles Ayume, the Minister of State for Primary Health Care, highlighted that Buseruka Health Centre upgrade is expected to enhance service delivery, increase staffing levels, improve medicine availability and strengthen emergency healthcare services in the rapidly growing oil and tourism hub of Bunyoro.
Hon. Beatrice Wembabazi, the Hoima district Woman member of Parliament, praised this initiative as an opportunity for employment for both skilled and unskilled labor force in the region.
