A high-level U.S. delegation recently visited the UPDF National Referral Hospital, highlighting the strong medical partnership and ongoing cooperation in military healthcare between Uganda and the United States.
The delegation was led by Dr. Stephen Ferrara, Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs, alongside Dr. Bryce Slingor, Dr. Katy Godfrey, Dr. Juliet Akao Nyati, and Maj Aaron Kuiper from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
During the visit, Maj Gen Dr. Ambrose Musinguzi, UPDF Joint Staff Health Services, emphasized that U.S. support has strengthened Uganda’s military medical capacity, including two field hospitals deployed in Somalia and Jinja for training.
He noted progress in HIV prevention, epidemic preparedness, trauma care, medical evacuation, and tactical combat casualty training under initiatives such as the Africa Peace Rapid Response Partnership (APRRP).
Dr. Ferrara praised Uganda’s effective disease containment, adherence to the 717 model, and expressed interest in future collaboration on global health security, disease surveillance, force health protection, and advanced laboratory systems.
He also highlighted the UPDF’s plans to introduce bone marrow transplantation.
Col Dr. Ronald Nagamba, CEO of the UPDF National Referral Hospital, described the facility as multi-specialty and internationally standard, serving military personnel, civilians, and regional referrals.
The hospital’s second phase will include oncology, cardiac care, and bone marrow transplantation, aiming to reduce medical tourism and strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system.
The visit included senior UPDF medical officers such as Col Dr. Edwin B. Bagashe, Col Deborah Nayebare, Col Silas M. Kamada, Maj Dr. Luwada, and Lt Col Evelyn Asiimwe, who discussed ongoing and future healthcare initiatives with the U.S. delegation.
