The Vice President Jessica Alupo has today officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Shs182billion Muni University teaching and research hospital in Arua district, West Nile sub-region.
The proposed facility whose construction is to take 30months, will combine four important functions: health service provision, training, research and innovation.
The hospital is conceived as an integrated academic health system: a 200-bed tertiary and quaternary referral hospital, physically and academically fused with the Muni University Medical School, whose nine health sciences programmes will train the doctors, nurses, pharmacists and scientists of this nation inside its wards, theatres and laboratories from the first day of operation.
While representing President Yoweri Museveni, at the monumental function, VP Alupo said the Teaching and Research Hospital is yet another development in the University’s expansion plan.
“It will bring services closer to the people. I wish to commend the University for designing an ambitious architectural plan and widening the scope of services it will offer to our people,” she said.
Alupo added that the facility, will reduce medical tourism, which is constantly draining the country’s resources, as many people seek better health care services outside Uganda.
“It will be a center of excellence for the provision of health services, training of health care professionals, research and innovations,” the vice president said.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to funding the construction and providing the equipment for the Teaching and Research Hospital.
Muni University was established as a public University to address the development needs of West Nile while contributing to the socio-economic transformation of the Country.
VP highlighted that this tremendous growth of the University, as shown by increased student enrollment, has increased academic programmes mainly in STEM, research output and significant community engagement mainly through the University’s Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment Initiative (RETI) program.
Muni University was among the five African universities to receive the inaugural Laureate of Africa Higher Education for Transformation Prize.
Alupo saluted Muni University Council, Management, staff and students for these wonderful achievements emphasizing that progress is commendable.
She thanked the People of West Nile for supporting the growth of Muni University and encouraged parents, especially from the West Nile Sub-region, to send their children to Muni University.
“Please guide your children to select courses in fields of science and technology to boost their employability in the private sector,” the vice presided said.
The State Minister for Primary Health Care and MP for Koboko Municipality, Dr. Charles Ayume paid special recognition to the prevailing peace and security, electricity connectivity and infrastructural development in the sub-region.
He added that such important enablers have consequently led to the construction of the teaching and research hospital. He urged the university administration to protect and utilize these investments responsibly.
On behalf of Muni University, the Chairman Council, Dr. Joel Aita thanked government led by president Museveni for this generational project.
“The ground we break today, we break for the sick who will be healed here, for the students who will be trained here, and for the nation whose money and dignity will be kept at home because of what rises here,” Dr. Aita said.
Retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Muni University Chancellor, the Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi extended heartfelt appreciation to president Museveni, and his government for this historic investment.
“Today’s groundbreaking has laid a foundation for healing, teaching, scientific research, innovation, and above all, hope for generations to come. May it serve Uganda, West Nile, and the wider international community” he said.
