Kawempe Hospital Reduces Maternal Deaths by Over 100 in Three Years

Kawempe National Referral Hospital has achieved a significant milestone by reducing annual maternal deaths from 200 to just 60 over the last three years. This progress was highlighted by Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Byaruhanga before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on March 18, 2026.

The discussion arose from MPs probing whether patients receive free services at the facility. Byaruhanga confirmed that most services are provided at no cost, excluding radiology options like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, which generate the hospital’s non-tax revenue.

He clarified that the only fee for C-section operations—Shs2.5 million—applies in the hospital’s six-bed private wing. Committee Chair Hon. Gorreth Namugga raised concerns about charges for expectant mothers, urging better public awareness to ensure access to free care.

Hon. Hope Nakazibwe questioned the availability of mama kits and whether shortages lead to patient billing. Hon. Joseph Ssewungu highlighted nearby pharmacies, suggesting patients are sometimes directed there for essential drugs.

Byaruhanga assured that all services except radiology are fully free, denying official extra charges and noting external pharmacies and facilities are beyond the hospital’s control, regulated by KCCA. The session addressed queries from the Auditor General’s report for the year ending June 30, 2025.

Source: Parliament of Uganda