Childrens Surgical Hospital Entebbe

The Children’s Surgical Hospital in Entebbe, Uganda, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing free, high-quality pediatric surgical care. Established by the Italian NGO EMERGENCY, the hospital opened its doors in April 2021 and serves as a regional center of excellence for elective pediatric surgeries .

• Capacity and Facilities: The hospital spans approximately 9,700 square meters and houses 72 beds, including 6 in intensive care and 16 in sub-intensive care. It features 3 operating theaters, 6 outpatient clinics, a diagnostic center, laboratory, blood bank, pharmacy, and auxiliary services such as a canteen and laundry. Additionally, a Guest House provides free accommodation for patients and families traveling from afar . Medical Services: Focusing on elective surgeries, the hospital addresses conditions like birth defects, urological and gynecological issues, gastrointestinal abnormalities, and cleft lip (cheiloschisis). By 2025, the hospital had conducted over 5,000 surgical interventions and managed more than 35,000 outpatient visits .

• Staffing and Training: Approximately 90% of the hospital’s staff are Ugandan nationals, totaling around 430 employees, including nearly 200 healthcare professionals. The hospital emphasizes training local medical personnel to enhance Uganda’s healthcare system’s autonomy and sustainability .Regional Impact: As part of the African Network of Medical Excellence (ANME), the hospital extends its services beyond Uganda, treating children from countries like Tanzania, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan through its Regional Programme .

Architectural and Environmental Design

Renowned architect Renzo Piano, in collaboration with TAMassociati, designed the hospital pro bono. The facility incorporates sustainable building practices, utilizing rammed earth (pisé) construction and a canopy of photovoltaic panels that supply solar energy while providing shade and ventilation. A central garden with 350 trees offers a therapeutic environment, aligning with the concept of “healing architecture” that integrates beauty into patient care .

Location and Accessibility

Situated in Banga village, Entebbe, within Uganda’s Wakiso District, the hospital occupies a 30-acre site donated by the Ugandan government. It is located approximately 9 kilometers north of Entebbe International Airport and about 45.5 kilometers south of Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala .