The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has finalized a highly autonomous corporate governance framework for the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) National Referral Hospital to enhance operational efficiency and elevate it to global clinical standards.

The new model, which will allow the hospital to function as a company limited by guarantee, is designed to reduce bureaucratic delays and accelerate medical decision-making while serving troops, veterans, and the general public.

Permanent Secretary Mrs. Rosette Byengoma and Board Chairman Prof. Francis Omaswa announced the development after a three-day governance retreat for board members and medical experts held at Serena Hotel Kigo in Wakiso District.

Mrs. Byengoma said the framework will grant the hospital greater operational flexibility and strict accountability to international healthcare benchmarks.

“The expectation of the leadership remains a challenge,” she noted, urging the board to “hit the ground running” after the retreat.

She added that annual compliance audits will be conducted and revealed plans to construct an additional specialised block (Block E) for oncology and cardiology once funding is secured.

Prof. Francis Omaswa, Chairman of the Board, said the retreat focused on reviewing the hospital’s strategic plan, financial manuals, and procurement procedures.

He confirmed that five core governance manuals were scrutinised to ensure consistency with the institution’s values.

“The institution needs to be very well governed and ranked to the highest international standards,” Prof. Omaswa said.

“It will be one of the best hospitals in Uganda and the African region… hoping to be accredited at international level to receive both local and international patients.”

The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Col. Dr. Ronald Nangamba, revealed that a comprehensive recruitment drive is underway to attract top-tier medical specialists.

He noted that the new human resource manual includes competitive retention policies.

The UPDF National Referral Hospital is expected to undergo formal approval of its governance documents in the coming weeks as it prepares for international accreditation.