FINASI/ISHU, the contractor involved in the construction of the International Specialized Hospital of Uganda, has explained the circumstances surrounding a recent attempted visit to the project site by Opposition Members of Parliament, saying the delegation arrived before the required safety and access arrangements had been completed.
The company said visits to the hospital construction site are subject to established coordination procedures under the project’s agreements, with formal notification expected to be channelled through the Ministry of Health.
FINASI/ISHU said the procedure is intended to allow the project team to prepare for visitors, particularly because construction works are still ongoing at the site.
The company said it received initial communication from the Leader of the Opposition about the planned Parliamentary visit on the afternoon of Thursday, September 10, 2026.
According to FINASI/ISHU, the matter was subsequently brought to the attention of the Ministry of Health. However, the company said formal notification from the Ministry had not reached it before the delegation arrived at the site.
The company said it also needs advance information on the number and names of visitors so that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), security measures and other safety arrangements can be put in place.
FINASI/ISHU said the absence of the required notification and visitor details meant it could not adequately prepare to receive and guide the delegation through the active construction site.
Charles Byaruhanga, Chief Operating Officer at FINASI/ISHU, said the company recognises the public interest surrounding the hospital and remains committed to completing the project.
“We understand the public interest in the International Specialized Hospital of Uganda (ISHU) and remain committed to completing its construction and commencement of operations,” Byaruhanga said.
He said the company’s position was based on site-safety requirements rather than an attempt to restrict scrutiny of the project.
“Visits to the construction site must be formally communicated and coordinated through the Ministry of Health within reasonable timelines to allow safety arrangements to be made,” he said.
Byaruhanga said the company had not received the formal notification required under the established arrangements when the delegation arrived.
“At the time the delegation arrived, FINASI/ISHU had not received the required formal notification from the Ministry and could therefore not complete the necessary safety and access arrangements,” he said.
He added that the company remains willing to accommodate Parliamentary and other stakeholder visits once the appropriate procedures have been followed.
“This was not about preventing access or avoiding accountability,” Byaruhanga said. “FINASI/ISHU remains ready to facilitate properly coordinated visits once formal notification is received through the Ministry of Health in reasonable time, and the necessary preparations have been completed.”
The clarification comes as construction of the International Specialized Hospital of Uganda continues.
FINASI/ISHU said the fact that the facility remains an active construction site means visitors must comply with health, safety and environmental requirements before entering the premises.
The company said the advance arrangements are intended to ensure that visitors are adequately protected and covered by insurance in the event of an accident or other unforeseen incident.
FINASI/ISHU maintained that the same procedures apply to stakeholders seeking access to the construction site and are necessary to protect both visitors and workers.
The company said it will continue working with the Ministry of Health and other government stakeholders to facilitate appropriately coordinated visits while construction progresses.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to completing the hospital and commencing the delivery of specialised healthcare services in Uganda.
