Kawempe National Referral Hospital has significantly reduced maternal deaths, cutting the annual figure from more than 200 to about 60 within the last three years, officials told Parliament.
The update was shared by Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Byaruhanga while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on March 18, 2026. The session focused on reviewing the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ending June 30, 2025.
Dr. Byaruhanga attributed the sharp decline to strengthened service delivery, improved emergency obstetric care, and enhanced maternal health interventions at the hospital, which serves as a major referral center for high-risk pregnancies in Kampala and nearby regions.
During the meeting, legislators also scrutinized the hospital’s service delivery and fee structure. Committee Chairperson Gorreth Namugga questioned the Shs2.5 million charge for C-sections in the hospital’s private wing, stressing that essential maternal services should remain free and that the public must be better informed about free services available in the general ward.
Other lawmakers raised concerns about access to free maternal supplies and possible out-of-pocket expenses. Hope Nakazibwe asked about the availability of mama kits, while Joseph Ssewungu questioned whether nearby private facilities and pharmacies may be charging patients for services expected to be free.
In response, Dr. Byaruhanga maintained that all services at Kawempe Hospital are provided free of charge, except for radiology services such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, which generate non-tax revenue. He acknowledged isolated reports of unauthorized charges but emphasized that such practices are not sanctioned by the hospital.
As a national referral facility, Kawempe Hospital continues to handle complex maternal and neonatal cases referred from across the country. The reduction in maternal deaths reflects broader national efforts to improve maternal health and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.
