Opposition MPs Blocked from Lubowa Hospital Oversight

[Eronda]

Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and members of the Shadow Cabinet were on Wednesday denied access to Lubowa International Specialized Hospital, despite written clearance from the Ministry of Health. The MPs had scheduled an oversight visit to assess progress on the Shs1.5 trillion taxpayer-funded project, but security at the site refused to let them in.

Ssenyonyi condemned the move, saying it undermines Parliament’s oversight role and disregards ministerial guidance. He noted that the Health Minister had directed the contractor to facilitate the MPs’ tour, yet the directive was ignored. This marks the second time opposition legislators have been blocked from visiting the hospital.

The Lubowa project, launched in 2019, has faced repeated delays and controversy over its financing. Government reports indicate the facility is about 70–75% complete, with handover expected in December 2026. Once operational, the hospital is intended to provide specialized services such as oncology, cardiac care, and organ transplants.

The obstruction has reignited public debate on transparency and accountability in Uganda’s largest health infrastructure investment.