Opposition MPs Blocked from Lubowa Hospital Oversight Visit Despite Ministerial Clearance
Kampala, Uganda — A delegation of Opposition Members of Parliament, led by the Leader of Opposition (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi, was denied entry at the Lubowa International Specialised Hospital on Monday during a scheduled oversight visit, despite prior clearance from the Ministry of Health.
According to reports from Daily Monitor, Nile Post, and Galaxy FM Zzina, the lawmakers were stranded at the gate of the facility, which is currently under construction along the Kampala-Entebbe highway. The visit was intended to assess the progress of the 264-bed specialized referral, teaching, and research hospital.
The denial occurred despite what the opposition says was explicit authorization. “They had clearance from the Health Minister to access the facility,” Nile Post reported, noting that the project management had also been previously communicated with. Nahabwe Bruce, speaking on behalf of the Shadow Cabinet, stated that the Ministry of Health had directed the facility to grant them access and facilitate the tour, yet they were still blocked. This marks the second such incident after similar denials occurred in 2024.
The obstruction has raised significant accountability concerns among the opposition. Ssenyonyi emphasized that the government has so far injected Shs1.5 trillion in taxpayers’ money into the project, adding that there is “no accountability” for the funds spent.
The Lubowa hospital project is a major public investment. Construction commenced in 2019 and was initially scheduled for completion in 2021. According to the Ministry of Health’s recent briefing to Parliament, the hospital is now reportedly 75 percent complete and expected to be ready by December 2026. However, other reports, including statements from Ssenyonyi, indicate the facility is roughly 70 percent complete and expected to be handed over in December. Once operational, the facility is designed to provide critical services in oncology, cardiac care, and transplants.
Following the incident, photos show the group peering through the gate while holding documents. The opposition has vowed to continue pushing for transparency regarding the key facility’s development.
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