Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially launched the groundbreaking of a 100-bed Emirates Specialty Hospital in Entebbe, marking a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation focused on advancing healthcare and national development.

The ceremony was officiated by H.E Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside Uganda’s Minister Anifa Kawooya and senior government officials including Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine and Director General of Health Services Prof. Olaro Charles. The project is being implemented as part of strengthened ties between the two nations and is expected to enhance access to specialized medical services in Uganda and the wider region.

The hospital, which will initially focus on ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care as well as eye treatment services, is expected to evolve into a broader specialist facility over time. According to Dr Diana Atwine, additional specialties such as neurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery, and spine surgery will be introduced in the future to expand head and neck-related medical care.

"Along the way, we will introduce other specialities like neuro surgery, because we want to look at the head and neck," dr. Diana said. That means maxillofacial surgeries, neuro surgeries, spine surgeries, and other specialized head surgeries, dr. Diana said.

The project is described as a gift from the UAE Government and is expected to handle referrals from across Africa once completed. Authorities have emphasized that planning for staffing and operational systems is already underway to ensure the facility becomes functional immediately after construction is completed.

“We believe that by the time construction is completed, government will be able have the structure in place, the human resource, so that come July 1st we are able to fully operationalize this hospital,” she said.

Reports indicate construction is expected to begin next month, and is projected to be completed and handed over by May 2027.

Once operational, the Emirates Specialty Hospital is expected to significantly strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system by improving access to specialized treatment, reducing referral burdens abroad, and positioning the country as a regional hub for advanced medical care.