Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth Oboth has pledged to support efforts to upgrade Mukono General Hospital into a better-equipped health facility capable of handling specialized medical services, saying the district deserves a hospital that can adequately serve both its growing population and national leaders residing in the area.
Oboth made the remarks on Friday while presiding over the official launch of the Greater Mukono Inter-Faith Forum at Mt. Lebanon Church in Mukono Municipality, where he called for closer collaboration between government leaders, religious institutions and the community in advancing development.
The Speaker, who owns a home in Kyungu, Goma Division, said he had already raised the matter with the relevant government authorities, noting that Mukono General Hospital is the nearest public health facility available to him and thousands of other residents.
He said the government’s immediate challenge is securing adequate land for expansion, after which Parliament and local leaders would work together to mobilize the resources required for the project.
“We need land to build a hospital worthy of serving the people of Mukono and the leaders who live here. Once land is secured, we shall work with the Members of Parliament to ensure the project is implemented,” Oboth said.
Mukono General Hospital, the district’s main public referral facility, has for years struggled with overcrowding as patient numbers continue to rise.
Residents have also repeatedly complained about long waiting times, inadequate infrastructure, shortages of medical supplies, and allegations of illegal charges and bribery in the delivery of some services.
Health leaders have argued that expanding and upgrading the hospital would ease pressure on existing facilities and improve access to specialized treatment for residents from Mukono and neighboring districts.
Greater Mukono Inter-Faith Forum is a platform bringing together leaders from different religious denominations to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and community development.
The Forum’s Chairperson, Pastor Samuel Lwandasa of Mt. Lebanon Church, said the initiative was established to strengthen cooperation among religious institutions and encourage joint efforts in addressing social and development challenges affecting the Greater Mukono region.
Lwandasa said the forum seeks to foster peace, promote moral values and work with government and other stakeholders to improve the welfare of communities.
He thanked Oboth for accepting to officiate at the launch, describing his presence as a sign of national recognition for the role faith leaders play in developing societies.
Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament Betty Nambooze welcomed the formation of the inter-faith forum, saying it demonstrated that leaders from different religious backgrounds could come together for a common cause.
She described the initiative as a timely platform for dialogue and prayed for wisdom for Speaker Oboth as he executes his constitutional responsibilities.
Nambooze said the gathering reflected the kind of unity Ugandans aspire to see beyond political differences. The gathering was also attended by various local leaders from all political parties.
However, she criticized Mukono District Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome over his remarks on the recently concluded LC5 chairperson election.
Nambooze accused him of claiming victory under circumstances she believes did not reflect the will of voters, arguing that justice loses meaning when disputed outcomes are presented as fair.
Earlier in his address, Lukooya had told the congregation that he had delivered victory for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the district, remarks that drew criticism from the opposition legislator.
Despite the political exchange, the launch ended with religious leaders urging political actors to prioritize dialogue, tolerance and peaceful engagement as the country prepares for future electoral activities.
ENDS.
