The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) has signed a USD 30 million loan agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to support the construction and equipping of the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI). The total project cost is estimated at US$73 million.
Funding for the project includes USD 20 million loans from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and the OPEC Fund, while the Ugandan government will contribute USD 3 million. The UHI will include advanced medical facilities such as emergency care, intensive care units, operating theaters, and clinical and research laboratories, totaling 222 beds, with 20 in the critical care unit. The civil works portion is expected to cost approximately US$46 million.
The project encompasses the construction of three blocks: a clinical block, a research and training block, and a staff and maintenance block. The clinical block will span approximately 24,000 square meters and comprise two basements, one ground floor, and nine additional floors.
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, speaking at the signing ceremony in Kampala, emphasized the significant improvement in healthcare accessibility and quality for Ugandans with heart-related conditions due to the construction of the Uganda Heart Institute. He urged the Ministry of Health to expedite any issues that could potentially delay the project.
Sultan A Al-Marshad, the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development, expressed confidence that the project would enhance healthcare services and the well-being of the Ugandan population.
