Health 23 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Kawempe Hospital Slashes Maternal Deaths from 200 to 60 in Three Years
Kawempe National Referral Hospital has dramatically reduced annual maternal deaths from 200 to 60 over the past three years, according to its Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Byaruhanga. He shared this update during a parliamentary committee hearing amid questions on free services for patients. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4307/kawempe-hospital-cuts-maternal-deaths-over-100
Kawempe National Referral Hospital has achieved a significant milestone by cutting maternal deaths from 200 to just 60 per year over the last three years. Dr. Emmanuel Byaruhanga, the hospital’s Executive Director, revealed this progress while addressing the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on March 18, 2026.
The session focused on whether patients receive free services. Byaruhanga confirmed that most services are provided at no cost, excluding radiology procedures like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, which generate non-tax revenue.
He clarified that C-section operations in the hospital’s six-bed private wing cost Shs2.5 million, prompting concerns from MPs. Committee chairperson Hon. Gorreth Namugga urged better sensitization for expectant mothers to ensure they know what should be free.
Hon. Hope Nakazibwe questioned the availability of mama kits and whether shortages lead to patient charges. Hon. Joseph Ssewungu raised issues about nearby pharmacies, suspecting referrals for profit.
Byaruhanga insisted all services except radiology are fully free, denying official extra charges and noting external pharmacies are beyond hospital control, regulated by KCCA. The appearance addressed queries from the Auditor General’s report for the year ending June 30, 2025.
Source: Parliament of Uganda