KIU, Western Campus - Kampala International University Teaching Hospital and Research (KIUTHR) is proud to announce the establishment of Uganda’s first private Cancer, Heart, and Brain Surgery Hospital, a groundbreaking initiative set to redefine healthcare in Uganda and the region. Scheduled to launch in mid-2025, this state-of-the-art facility will be inaugurated during the 31st KIU Graduation Ceremony in Ishaka, Bushenyi District, where His Excellency has been invited to officiate as Chief Guest.

This $60 million facility, supported by a 30% contribution from the European Union (EU), is a strategic response to Uganda’s growing healthcare challenges. With cancer cases rising to 34,000 annually and over 27,000 patients unable to access timely treatment, the urgency for specialized care cannot be overstated. The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) faces significant constraints, including inadequate infrastructure, understaffing at only 45% capacity, and treatment delays, all of which have contributed to escalating cancer-related mortality rates.

KIUTHR’s Cancer, Heart, and Brain Surgery Hospital will offer advanced diagnostic, treatment, and surgical services, significantly easing the burden on public healthcare facilities. This development is expected to provide new hope for thousands of Ugandans in need of life-saving care.

Al-Hajj Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of the KIU Board of Trustees, emphasized the transformative impact of this project:

"This marks the dawn of a new era in Ugandan healthcare. As we celebrate 25 years of KIU, this hospital will stand as a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and service."

KIUTHR has long been at the forefront of healthcare innovation, providing comprehensive medical services to thousands across the region. Located in Ishaka, Bushenyi District, KIUTHR serves as a beacon of medical excellence, with facilities that include a fully equipped teaching hospital, specialized units, and an environment that fosters medical research and education.

Under the leadership of Dr. Umi Omar Bunni, CEO of KIUTHR, the hospital has made significant strides in advancing healthcare and research. Dr. Umi highlighted the facility’s vision:

"KIUTHR is not just a hospital; it is a centre for excellence in research, training, and specialized care. With the addition of this Cancer, Heart, and Brain Surgery Hospital, we are poised to provide unparalleled services while contributing to groundbreaking medical research right here in Ishaka."

The institution’s robust research agenda supports innovations in medicine and surgery, with an emphasis on addressing regional health challenges. KIUTHR has trained hundreds of healthcare professionals, ensuring that the region benefits from highly skilled medical practitioners capable of delivering world-class care.

Professor Ngoma Muhammad, Vice-Chancellor of KIU, lauded the initiative as a vital step in integrating healthcare with academic excellence.

"This hospital will not only provide world-class care but also serve as a hub for training and research. It will enhance the capacity of our medical students and researchers, ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges of modern medicine. We are building a foundation for the future of healthcare in Uganda and beyond."

KIU’s growth over the past 25 years is a testament to its unwavering commitment to academic and healthcare excellence. As Uganda’s leading private university, KIU continues to set new benchmarks in education and research. The establishment of the Cancer, Heart, and Brain Surgery Hospital is yet another milestone, complementing existing facilities and positioning KIU as a leader in private healthcare provision.

The facility will also include a state-of-the-art neurosurgery department, ensuring comprehensive care for complex medical conditions. Additionally, as part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations, KIU will unveil a new library, further cementing its role as a centre of innovation and learning.

KIUTHR invites the government, healthcare professionals, and private sector stakeholders to collaborate on making this revolutionary project a resounding success. By working together, we can address Uganda’s healthcare challenges and provide hope to thousands of patients.

This historic initiative is a milestone for KIUTHR and a beacon of progress for Uganda’s healthcare sector, signalling a brighter future for generations.