The newly appointed Board of Directors at the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) has made a heartfelt commitment to complete the institute’s landmark 250-bed cardiac hospital and to bring advanced heart care closer to communities across Uganda.
During the swearing-in ceremony, the chairman expressed deep appreciation for the outgoing board’s dedication and achievements especially their role in launching the Uganda Heart Institute Infrastructure Project, a $73 million investment poised to transform heart care throughout the country.
He explained that the project began in response to the growing number of Ugandans in need of heart care. Today, the Institute cares for more than 100 outpatients each day and nearly 25,000 inpatients every year, touching thousands of lives.
Construction of the new 250-bed hospital began in January 2025 and has already passed the halfway point, with about 60 percent of the work completed as part of a major inspection on June 25, 2026. The hospital is expected to welcome patients by June 2027.
He applauded the outgoing board and institute management for securing crucial government support and resources. He also recognized the contributions of President Yoweri Museveni, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and other key partners who made this progress possible.
The chairman highlighted the outgoing board’s strong legacy, noting their integrity and effective governance throughout their tenure.
Beyond the hospital project, the Board guided the Institute through several important milestones: opening Uganda’s first cardiac Intensive Care Unit, establishing clear regulations, introducing a new Human Resource Structure Manual, and laying the groundwork for a long-term business plan.
He emphasized that these achievements are especially meaningful as Uganda faces rising rates of cardiovascular disease, which now accounts for about 10 percent of all deaths, including more cases of hypertension, congenital heart disease, and rheumatic heart disease.
The chairman also shared that the National Planning Authority has recognized the institute’s vital role by including its expansion in Uganda’s major development plans—among them, the creation of four regional heart centers to make life-saving heart care more accessible for people across the country.
Looking to the future, the new board set out an ambitious plan: to complete the hospital and carefully guide the move from the current facility to a larger, more modern 250-bed institution.
They will also oversee a significant increase in staffing from about 850 to nearly 1,425 employees to support the expanded hospital and ensure the institute continues to grow and serve more patients.
Other priorities include rolling out the new human resource structure, opening regional heart centers, advancing the institute’s business strategy, and stepping up efforts to prevent heart disease through public education and health promotion.
The chairman reaffirmed the board’s commitment to building on past achievements and collaborating closely with management to provide high-quality heart care to an even larger number of Ugandans.
He welcomed the new board members and expressed confidence that by working together they will achieve the institute’s goals and honor the government’s trust.
He also extended gratitude to the minister of health for leading the ceremony and pledged the board’s full dedication to helping the Uganda Heart Institute deliver world-class heart care to every Ugandan in need.
