By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Mutesi Phionah Uwase,
BUSHENYI
As Uganda grapples with a surge in cancer cases and limited access to critical healthcare services, Kampala International University has unveiled plans to establish a $60 million private cancer, heart, and brain surgery hospital, a transformative step toward reshaping the nation’s healthcare system.
The initiative was first announced by the university’s proprietor and Chairman Board of Trustees, Al-Hajji Dr. Hassan Bassajjabalaba in November last year at the KIU 30th Graduation Ceremony in Kansanga Kampala.
It is set to launch in mid-2025, at the University’s 31st graduation schedule to take place at KIU Western Campus, in Ishaka Bushenyi municipality, according to information on the university website.
The $60 million state-of-the-art facility, partially funded by the European Union (EU), which contributed 30% of the cost, promises to transform healthcare in Uganda and the region.
With cancer cases rising to 34,000 people annually, and alarmingly, over 27,000 patients unable to access timely treatment, the urgency for specialized care cannot be overstated. This is because the only available facility, the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) faces severe limitations, including infrastructure constraints, staff shortages at just 45% capacity, and long delays in treatment which have significantly contributed to escalating cancer related mortality rates thus calling for more healthcare facilities.
Al-Hajj Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of the KIU Board of Trustees, described the project as a milestone in Uganda’s healthcare history.
“This marks the dawn of a new era in Ugandan healthcare. As we celebrate 25 years of KIU, this hospital will stand as a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and service,” he said.
The Kampala International University Teaching Hospital and Research (KIUTHR) cancer, heart, and brain surgery facility will provide advanced diagnostic, treatment, and surgical services, significantly reducing the pressure on public healthcare institutions. In addition to addressing cancer care, the hospital will house a cutting-edge neurosurgery department and offer comprehensive care for heart and brain conditions.
Professor Ngoma Muhammad, Vice-Chancellor of KIU, emphasized the faculty’s dual role as a healthcare and academic hub.
“This hospital will not only provide world-class care but also serve as a hub for training and research,” he said. “It will enhance the capacity of our medical students and researchers, ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges of modern medicine.”
The hospital’s launch coincides with KIU’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, which also include the unveiling of a new library. The university said that these developments underscore their dedication to innovation, learning, and healthcare improvement.
The government, healthcare professionals, and private sector stakeholders have been urged to support the project, which is expected to bring hope and life-saving care to thousands of Ugandans.
By addressing Uganda’s critical healthcare gaps, KIUTHR is set to redefine medical standards in the country and provide a model for the region.
