Uganda: Kawempe Hospital Achieves 70% Reduction in Maternal Deaths Over Three Years

Parliamentary committee examines free healthcare delivery amid impressive mortality improvements

Kawempe National Referral Hospital has achieved a remarkable 70 percent reduction in maternal deaths over the past three years, with annual fatalities dropping from 200 to 60 cases, Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee was informed on Wednesday. The dramatic improvement in maternal healthcare outcomes was revealed during questioning about the hospital’s service delivery and charging practices.

Executive Director defends free service commitment

Dr Emmanuel Byaruhanga, the hospital’s Executive Director, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee for Central Government on 18 March 2026 to address queries arising from the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ending 30 June 2025. His testimony focused heavily on the institution’s commitment to providing free healthcare services to patients.

According to Dr Byaruhanga, virtually all services at the hospital are offered free of charge, with the notable exception of radiology services including x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI procedures. Revenue from these diagnostic services constitutes the hospital’s primary source of non-tax income, helping to support operations while maintaining free care in other areas.

Caesarean section charges limited to private wing

Committee Chairperson Hon. Gorreth Namugga pressed for clarity on charges related to caesarean section deliveries, seeking to understand what expectant mothers might face when requiring surgical intervention. Dr Byaruhanga clarified that caesarean sections are performed free of charge throughout the main hospital, with costs only applying to the facility’s six-bed private wing, where the procedure costs 2.5 million shillings.

“Can a woman walk into Kawempe Hospital and find the c-section operation free? The women out there need to know this and they must be sensitised so that they do not pay for what is supposed to be at zero cost,” Namugga emphasized, highlighting the importance of public awareness about available free services.

MPs probe essential supplies and hidden charges

Hon. Hope Nakazibwe, representing Mubende District, questioned whether essential items like maternal delivery kits are provided without cost to expecting mothers. She specifically inquired about instances where supply shortages might force the hospital to charge patients for items that should be provided free.

“Is there an instance where the theatre or the hospital itself runs out of some of the health supplies and they have to charge patients who come for either an operation or any other medical service?” Nakazibwe asked, highlighting concerns about healthcare accessibility during resource constraints.

Surrounding pharmacies raise questions about true costs

Kalungu West County MP Hon. Joseph Ssewungu drew attention to the numerous pharmacies located around the hospital, suggesting that patients are frequently referred to purchase essential medicines for treatment outside the facility. Drawing parallels with Mulago Hospital, he questioned whether the proliferation of private pharmacies indicated gaps in the free service provision.

“Doctor, confirm to this committee that a patient will come to Kawempe and get all those services without spending a single penny,” Ssewungu demanded, noting the business model that emerges when patients must purchase medications externally.

Hospital leadership acknowledges unauthorized charging concerns

Dr Byaruhanga acknowledged that while official policy mandates free services except for radiology, instances of unauthorized charging have been reported. “All services in Kawempe are 100 percent free except for radiology. I have heard of patients who were charged but this is not official,” he admitted.

He explained that hospital administration follows up on such reports but often encounters difficulties obtaining detailed information from affected patients. Regarding the surrounding pharmacies, Dr Byaruhanga noted they operate outside the hospital’s control, with licensing handled by Kampala Capital City Authority.

Accountability process examines healthcare delivery

The parliamentary appearance forms part of ongoing oversight and accountability processes designed to ensure public healthcare institutions deliver on their mandates while managing resources effectively. The committee’s scrutiny reflects broader concerns about healthcare accessibility and the actual cost burden facing Ugandan patients seeking medical care at public facilities.

The significant reduction in maternal deaths at Kawempe represents a major public health achievement, demonstrating the potential impact of improved healthcare delivery systems when effectively managed and adequately resourced.