The Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti who also doubles as Kole North County MP , has raised concern over significant funding gaps and systemic challenges in regional referral hospitals, warning that the situation could affect Uganda’s preparedness for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
In an interview following a committee engagement with hospital directors at Parliament, Acuti said the interface brought together leaders from several regional facilities, including Lira Regional Referral Hospital and Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, among others.
He noted that the discussions focused on assessing the readiness of the health sector to handle medical emergencies during AFCON matches expected to be hosted in Lira and Hoima.
“These hospitals will be central in managing emergencies during AFCON, but they still face serious gaps,” Acuti said.
Shs40 Billion Needed Per Hospital
According to Acuti, hospital directors revealed that both Lira and Hoima regional referral hospitals each require at least Shs40 billion to address critical service delivery gaps.
He explained that the challenges include staffing shortages, limited ambulance services, unreliable power supply, and inadequate specialised care capacity.
Wider Health System Under Pressure
Acuti emphasized that preparedness must extend beyond referral hospitals to include Health Centre IVs and general hospitals, which will support referrals during the tournament.
He pointed out that the Lango sub-region remains particularly constrained, with only one general hospital serving the area.
To adequately prepare both Lango and Bunyoro sub-regions, he said a combined investment of approximately Shs100 billion is needed.
Concerns Over Extortion
The legislator also raised alarm over continued extortion in public health facilities, where patients are reportedly charged for services that are officially free.
These include payments for drugs, diagnostic tests such as X-rays and ultrasound scans, and other basic medical services.
Call for Urgent Intervention
Acuti has called on government to urgently address funding gaps and strengthen oversight to ensure accountability within public hospitals.
He warned that failure to act could undermine healthcare delivery and compromise Uganda’s readiness to host AFCON matches.
Uganda will host Africa Cup of Nations matches at three venues: Mandela National Stadium (40,000+ capacity, under upgrade), and the newly built Hoima City Stadium and Akii Bua Stadium (about 20,000 seats each). The venues highlight Uganda’s co-hosting role and the need for strong medical preparedness around them.
