The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has partnered with USAID to renovate and equip 17 selected hospitals in different parts of the enable them offer first class services.

Addressing journalists, contractors and clergy at IRCU head offices in Namirembe, Kampala, Joshua Kitakule, the IRCU secretary general, said they are supposed to renovate 17 hospitals but will start with five next month.

He said the five hospitals will be renovated and equipped to enhance their capacity to provide male circumcision, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, care and treatment as well as laboratory services.

The renovation of Kiwoko Hospital Nakaseke, Lyantonde Islamic Health Centre, Ishaka Adventist Hospital, St. Francis Hospital Buluba and Holy Cross Hospital in Namungoona, will cost over sh524m. The work is expected to be completed in one year.

Kitakule said the renovations are part of the commitments made by religious leaders in 2011 to ensure that Uganda is a healthy nation.

He said the hospitals which were selected are dilapidated and do not have enough space for laboratory services.

"We hope contractors finish this work in time. We want people to go and test for HIV so that those who have the virus get medication while those who do not have it, protect themselves. That is the only way we shall fight the scourge," Kitakule said.

He called on contractors to be transparent, express integrity and exercise values because this is God's work.