Health 17 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Mulago Women and Neonatal Hospital Lacks Specialists for Newborn Care
Newborns and premature babies at Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital are being transferred to other facilities due to a shortage of specialists, exposing them to health risks like infections and blindness. Acting Executive Director Dr. Sam Ononge highlighted that over 45% of NICU admissions require eye checks unavailable on-site, amid staffing shortages. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4302/no-specialised-care-new-borns-mulago-women-hospital
The Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital is struggling to provide adequate care for newborns, particularly premature babies under 32 weeks.
Acting Executive Director Dr. Sam Ononge told the Public Accounts Committee on March 17, 2026, that 45% of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) need specialist eye examinations, which the facility lacks. These infants are transferred to private hospitals like Mengo and Nsambya, risking exposure to cold, infections, and long-term issues such as blindness.
Newborns needing surgery are also referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital, adding to the dangers of transport.
Staffing is critically low, with one nurse handling six babies—far exceeding safe ratios—leading to burnout and errors. Dr. Ononge called on MPs to boost staffing to at least 60% capacity.
Committee Deputy Chairperson Hon. Gorreth Namugga urged full government funding for specialists and cautioned against fully waiving fees for affordability, suggesting subsidies instead to prevent misuse.
The hospital aims to launch a paediatric centre and expand IVF services, having already delivered IVF babies and seeking donor support.
Source: Parliament of Uganda