Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) is seeking a loan of $70 million (about Shs264 billion) to construct a cardiac center.
According to Dr. John Omagino, the Executive Director of UHI, the centre will treat cardiovascular accidents, heart attacks, heart block, heart failure, cardiac arrest, holes in the heart, dying parts of the heart, and growth in the heart, among other complications.
“Uganda should be able to start heart transplants in maybe 10 years if this facility is established,” said Dr. Omagino.
Last week, the Parliamentary Committee on National Economy approved the loan, and this morning, the Committee on Health, chaired by Dr. Ayume Charles, inspected the site of the Uganda Heart Institute, where a state-of-the-art cardiac facility will be constructed in Naguru.
UHI was allocated 10 acres of land at the upscale Naguru-Nakawa estate to establish a centre of cardiac excellence.
However, out of the 10 acres of land in Naguru, the Uganda Heart Institute is in possession of only 7.5 acres, while others have been encroached by Tendo Investments, KCCA division offices and Lukyamuzi Investments among others.
Omagino told the MPs that encroachment happened during the lockdown.
“They simply came during the lockdown and put up a wall fence and a container, saying they will not leave until when their interests are met,” Omagino told MPs.
