Kagadi Hospital Introduces Strict Guidelines to Curb Overcrowding and Enhance Security

Kagadi General Hospital in Kagadi District has rolled out a series of new operating guidelines aimed at curbing facility congestion, easing pressure on limited resources, and improving overall security. Under the directives, visiting hours are strictly restricted, and the number of caretakers accompanying patients has been limited.

Hospital administrator Mr Simon Peter Tumusiime explained that the growing influx of visitors and relatives had previously overwhelmed the infrastructure, forcing some patients to sleep on floors or verandas when beds were fully occupied. Health workers also struggled to navigate crowded wards to deliver care efficiently. To enforce the new rules, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers have been stationed at the main gate.

Under the updated policy, critical patients are permitted a maximum of two caretakers, while others are limited to one. Designated visiting times have been set for morning, midday, and evening to allow medical personnel to execute their duties without interruptions. Furthermore, the hospital plans to introduce colour-coded triage cards to streamline patient management.

The measures also address longstanding security concerns. Management noted that unrestricted access previously created opportunities for theft, citing a distressing incident in May where a two-month-old baby was allegedly taken within the outpatient waiting area.

While residents like Mr Hope Kofiri Salongo praised the initiative for clearing congested corridors and making emergency access easier, others voiced concerns. Local transport operators and residents questioned whether rigid visiting times accommodate the unpredictable nature of travel and illness, urging management to remain flexible for families coming from distant areas. Read more details on the Daily Monitor.