By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
MBARARA CITY
Mbarara City witnessed a major milestone in healthcare delivery as C-Care officially upgraded its clinic into a fully-fledged hospital, marking the company’s expansion in western Uganda.
Speaking at the launch, Andrew Mugalu, General Manager of C-Care Hospital, revealed that the facility currently has a 25-bed capacity with an operating theater, and plans are underway to expand to 55 beds for full accreditation. He emphasized that the hospital is part of C-Care’s broader network of five hospitals and 18 clinics across the country.
“Our aim is to complete the chain of medical care. As a clinic, there were limitations due to space and facilities. Now, with this hospital, we can provide specialized services closer to the community,” Mugalu said. He acknowledged the challenges private health facilities face, particularly high utility costs, and called on government to engage private providers in developing affordable healthcare solutions. He suggested health insurance policies as one way the state could intervene.
C-Care CEO Sandu Azar described the opening as a significant achievement. “Today is the day the Lord has made to see this place open. It is very hard in Uganda to find such partnerships,” he remarked. Azar noted that the hospital’s first phase began with 15 beds and theatre while the second phase set to start in July will expand capacity to 55 beds, including an intensive care unit and CT scan services. He thanked the community for their trust since the facility’s days as a clinic and announced that the company’s next project will be a hospital in Entebbe.
Dr. Keirukye Mugisha Longino, Mbarara City Health Officer, commended C-Care’s contribution to healthcare. He revealed that the upgrade discussions began last year among senior doctors and praised the hospital’s role in strengthening medical services in the region. “As a developing city, we face challenges, but I urge C-Care management and staff to turn those challenges into opportunities,” he said. He encouraged the hospital to adhere to Ministry of Health standards and offer specialized services at subsidized costs to remain competitive.
Dr. Keirukye expressed optimism that the hospital will reduce the number of patient referrals to Kampala. “There were many ambulances on the Mbarara–Kampala highway, but these will eventually reduce since most of the services have been brought nearer,” he noted.
The opening of C-Care Hospital in Mbarara represents a significant step toward decentralizing specialized healthcare services, easing the burden on Kampala facilities, and improving access for communities in western Uganda.
