Mugula Dan
sun 4 October 2026
Butebo — Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has commissioned the newly constructed Butebo Health Centre IV, a facility built by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineers Brigade with funding from the Ministry of Health.
The facility, commissioned in Butebo District, is expected to improve access to healthcare services and ease pressure on existing health facilities in the area.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Nabbanja commended the UPDF Engineers Brigade for completing the project on time and to the required standards.
She also praised President and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for building what she described as a strong, modern and professional army capable of undertaking operations beyond traditional military duties.
“The construction of this health facility demonstrates the close relationship between the army and the community,” Nabbanja said.
She urged the UPDF to maintain the quality and standards demonstrated at Butebo Health Centre IV as it undertakes similar development projects across the country.
Nabbanja raises hygiene concerns
The Prime Minister also expressed concern over poor hygiene and sanitation in some parts of Butebo District.
She urged residents to keep their homes and communities clean, saying many diseases can be prevented through improved sanitation and personal hygiene.
Nabbanja encouraged residents to make use of the newly constructed facility and prioritise their health so they can remain productive and participate in income-generating activities.
RDC praises UPDF engineers
The Butebo Resident District Commissioner praised the UPDF Engineers Brigade for what he described as superior performance in terms of quality, timely completion and adherence to construction standards.
He said the UPDF intervention had helped reduce pressure on district engineers.
“I, therefore, urge UPDF not to lower the standards in future since they seemingly have no competitors,” he said.
Butebo District Chairperson Keddy Samuel also commended the UPDF engineers, saying the project demonstrated value for money.
He thanked the engineers for their discipline and commitment to the project despite challenges encountered during construction.
Facility to serve about 250 patients daily
The Senior Medical Officer in charge of Butebo Health Centre IV, Dr Ngiri Amos, welcomed the expanded facility, saying it will be able to accommodate about 250 patients per day.
He said the installation of a three-phase electricity supply, solar power and a water system would improve the facility’s efficiency and service delivery.
The health centre now has a maternity ward, Out-Patient Department (OPD), general wards with about 50 beds, a four-stance pit latrine, placenta pit, water system, solar power, two staff houses and walkways, among other facilities.
The expanded health centre is expected to improve access to maternal, outpatient and general healthcare services for residents of Butebo District.
Ministers attend commissioning
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Dr Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Local Government Hon Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi and Minister of Internal Affairs Prof Ephraim Kamuntu, alongside senior and junior UPDF officers, local government officials and residents.
The completion and commissioning of Butebo Health Centre IV adds to the UPDF Engineers Brigade’s role in supporting Government infrastructure development, particularly in the health sector.
