Healthcare provider C-Care Uganda has officially opened a multi-speciality hospital in Mbarara, marking a significant expansion of medical services in the western region of the country.
The facility builds on a 12-year presence in the city through C-Care IMC, which previously focused on outpatient services. The transition to a full-scale hospital is intended to provide a continuum of care, allowing patients to access surgery, maternity services and admission in a single integrated system.
The hospital includes a 24-hour emergency department, advanced operating theatres and a dedicated maternity wing. A comprehensive radiology unit and a laboratory are also operational, while an intensive care unit is expected to be added during a later phase of development.
Management said the integrated model is designed to reduce the number of patient referrals to the capital, Kampala, or abroad. By offering specialised trauma care, cardiology and paediatrics locally, the provider aims to shorten treatment timelines and improve clinical outcomes.
Beyond healthcare delivery, the opening has created new jobs for medical professionals and support staff within western Uganda. The workforce includes specialised doctors, nurses and administrative teams.
Andrew Mugalu, the general manager of C-Care IMC, said the expansion was rooted in a culture of operational excellence.
“We are intentional about ensuring that every patient interaction in our facilities is meaningful and impactful,” Mr Mugalu said. He noted that the group now serves more than 50,000 patients monthly across 22 facilities nationwide.
Decentralising healthcare
The launch event was attended by government officials who praised the investment in Uganda’s healthcare infrastructure. They noted that the decentralisation of specialised medicine contributes to more equitable access to care for those living outside the central region.
C-Care Uganda rebranded in 2023 and has since expanded its network to more than 20 clinics and hospitals. This latest development in Mbarara follows the group’s efforts to align its facilities with international standards, such as those seen at its COHSASA-accredited IHK facility in Kampala.
The new hospital will maintain 24-hour ambulance services and diagnostic support to bridge existing gaps in the regional healthcare system.
