Established in 1988, the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) is a highly specialized medical institution dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It serves as Uganda’s sole national referral facility for heart-related conditions, providing advanced and comprehensive cardiac care to patients from across the country. Over the years, UHI has become a center of excellence in heart health, offering both routine and complex cardiovascular services.

The Institute delivers a wide range of services including outpatient and inpatient care, cardiac diagnostics, interventional procedures, open-heart surgery, rehabilitation, and preventive cardiology. In addition to clinical care, UHI plays an important role in training health professionals, conducting research, and promoting public awareness about heart disease prevention and management. These efforts contribute to strengthening Uganda’s capacity to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

Mandated by the Uganda Heart Institute Act of 2016, UHI operates as an autonomous body governed by a Board of nine Directors, chaired by Dr. James Magara. The Institute is entrusted with coordinating and improving cardiovascular care nationwide, working closely with government, health facilities, and partners to enhance service delivery, expand access to specialized treatment, and improve heart health outcomes for the population.