Budget Committee Questions Health Facility Upgrade Claims, Raises Equity Concerns

The Budget Committee has raised concerns over inconsistencies in the reported upgrade of health facilities, citing transparency and equity issues in the allocation of resources.

The concerns emerged during a meeting chaired by Hon. Patrick Isiagi on Monday, 20 April 2026, where the Health Committee Chairperson, Hon. Joseph Ruyonga, presented the sector budget report for the upcoming financial year.

At the centre of the debate was a claim by the Ministry of Health that 34 Health Centre IIIs had been upgraded to Health Centre IVs across the country. However, Members of Parliament questioned the accuracy of this figure, pointing to discrepancies in the documentation presented.

“One of the issues we have is that the report says 34 health centres have been upgraded, but when you count those listed, they are fewer and some are not even completed,” Isiagi said.

He emphasized the need for verification before acknowledging the reported achievements.
“We need to know these 34. Where are they? Without that, we cannot even ascertain what has been done. Otherwise, we are just here passing time,” he added.

Ruyonga acknowledged gaps in the information available, noting that the committee had only recently requested a complete list from the Ministry of Health.
“The list which you have is not numbered. We have asked the ministry to give us the actual facilities selected for upgrade, and they only sent it this morning,” he said.

The committee was granted additional time to present a verified list for further scrutiny.

Beyond the inconsistencies, MPs also raised concerns about equity in the distribution of health infrastructure. Some legislators accused the ministry of favouring certain districts while neglecting others.

“Why is it that when it comes to some districts, there is always no money, but others appear multiple times in the budget?” asked Hon. Herbert Ariko (NRM, Soroti East Division).

Isiagi stressed that fairness in resource allocation should be a priority.
“The key word here is equity. At least each district should benefit before repeating allocations in the same areas,” he said.

Concerns about accountability were also raised, with Otuke County MP Hon. Paul Omara questioning whether projects approved by Parliament were being implemented as planned.
“The lists we provide are ignored, and the ministry goes ahead to manufacture its own list,” he said.

The committee further examined funding for the National Ambulance System, seeking clarity on how the Shs20 billion allocation would be utilized. Ruyonga indicated that, based on an estimated cost of Shs250 million per ambulance, the funds could procure about 80 units. However, MPs questioned whether this estimate was realistic given the required specifications.

The meeting also highlighted preparations in the health sector ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), particularly regarding Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.

Ruyonga noted that the Shs26 billion allocated to the hospital was insufficient for the planned upgrades and AFCON readiness, adding that the facility had requested Shs40 billion.
“The 26 billion provided for Hoima is inadequate for the required works to support the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.

However, Isiagi maintained that the allocated funds were adequate to prepare the hospital to handle potential medical needs during the tournament.