The announcement was made by Minister of Health Dr Sabin Nsanzimana following the handover of the newly expanded Rwanda Masaka Hospital, constructed with support from China.

Dr Nsanzimana said CHUK will relocate in phases to avoid disrupting the services it currently provides, while measures are also being taken to address the gap that could arise after it leaves its current location in central Kigali.

He explained that no new hospital is planned for the current CHUK site. Instead, the government intends to strengthen nearby Muhima and Nyarugenge hospitals.

“Nyarugenge Hospital is planned for a second-phase expansion, and Muhima Hospital will also be expanded. We want to link them so that CHUK patients who cannot travel to Masaka have other places to go without congestion. That means expanding those other hospitals nearby.”

Dr Nsanzimana said the government is also expanding district hospitals that are being developed into fully-fledged teaching hospitals.

Hospitals nearing that status include Kibungo, Rwamagana, Kibagabaga and Nyamata, while expansion and upgrading works are also underway at Kibuye, Kibogora, Kiziguro and Nyagatare hospitals.

The minister said the programme is expected to accelerate from 2027, as more specialists become available to provide healthcare services and train medical students.