The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) National Referral Hospital received a senior delegation from the United States, underscoring the strong bilateral relationship and continued collaboration in military healthcare between the two nations.
The U.S. team was headed by Dr. Stephen Ferrara, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs.
Speaking during the visit, Maj Gen Dr. Ambrose Musinguzi, the UPDF Joint Staff Officer in charge of Health Services, appreciated the longstanding cooperation that has significantly enhanced Uganda’s military medical capabilities.
“Through U.S. support, we acquired two fully-equipped field hospitals one currently operational in Somalia and another based in Jinja for training purposes. These facilities have greatly improved our medical readiness and efficiency,” he noted.
Maj Gen Dr. Musinguzi also pointed out advancements achieved through joint initiatives in HIV prevention and care, epidemic preparedness, and capacity-building programmes supported under the Africa Peace Rapid Response Partnership (APRRP). He highlighted improvements in trauma response, medical evacuation procedures, tactical combat casualty care, and simulation-based training. He added that APRRP has strengthened the Force’s resilience in detecting and managing public health threats.
In his remarks, Dr. Ferrara commended Uganda’s exemplary performance in managing disease outbreaks and its strict implementation of the 717 emergency response framework, which has earned global recognition. He emphasized that effective outbreak response not only protects local populations but also prevents broader geopolitical and economic consequences.
Ferrara noted the United States’ readiness to expand cooperation in global health security, disease surveillance, force health protection, and advanced laboratory capabilities, expressing particular enthusiasm about the UPDF’s plan to commence bone marrow transplant services.
Col Dr. Ronald Nagamba, the Executive Director of the UPDF National Referral Hospital, said the state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide comprehensive services to soldiers, civilian staff, the general public, and regional referrals. He emphasized that the hospital is a major milestone toward reducing reliance on overseas treatment and boosting the country’s medical sector.
He revealed that the hospital will offer multiple specialized services, and that the second phase will introduce oncology, cardiology, and bone marrow transplantation treatments that have previously compelled Ugandans to seek care abroad.
The U.S. delegation also included Dr. Bryce Slingor (Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary), Dr. Katy Godfrey (Country Director), Dr. Juliet Akao Nyati from the U.S. Embassy HIV/AIDS program, and Maj Aaron Kuiper from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
Senior UPDF medical leadership present during the visit included Col Dr. Edwin Bagashe, Col Deborah Nayebare, Col Silas Kamada, Maj Dr. Luwada, and Lt Col Hon Evelyn Asiimwe.
