Hoima commissions Shs590 Million maternity ward as Karongo Health Centre III targets health centre IV status
The newly completed maternity ward comprises a labour room, gynecology ward, postnatal ward, female immunization room, records room, store, prenatal ward, labour suite, sluice room, sterilization room, duty room, antenatal care room, birth rooms, kangaroo mother care room, and a reception area.
By George Niyonzima
Residents of Hoima City West Division are set to benefit from improved maternal healthcare services following the commissioning of a new maternity ward worth Shs590 million at Karongo Health Centre III.
The facility, funded by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health, is expected to enhance access to quality maternal and child health services for communities in Hoima West City Division and surrounding areas.
The newly completed maternity ward comprises a labour room, gynecology ward, postnatal ward, female immunization room, records room, store, prenatal ward, labour suite, sluice room, sterilization room, duty room, antenatal care room, birth rooms, kangaroo mother care room, and a reception area.
The facility was officially commissioned on Tuesday by Hoima City leaders led by the Resident City Commissioner, Hajji Badru Mugabi, during a ceremony held in Karongo Cell.
Constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, the project commenced on June 18, 2024, and was completed in mid-2025.
According to Captain Yunus Ntegeka, the Western Region Project Manager at the UPDF Engineering Brigade, the maternity ward was delivered at a significantly lower cost than comparable projects.
He explained that while a similar facility would ordinarily cost between Shs700 million and Shs800 million, the brigade managed to complete it at Shs590 million partly because it is exempt from paying taxes.
“We have built the facility to the required standards using quality construction materials,” Ntegeka said.
He revealed that government has since allocated an additional Shs300 million for the construction of a placenta pit, staff quarters, and a four-stance pit latrine at the health centre.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, RCC Mugabi described the new maternity ward as a major milestone in efforts to upgrade Karongo Health Centre III to a Health Centre IV, in line with government policy that requires each constituency to have a health sub-district facility.
“The commissioning of this maternity ward is part of the broader process of improving and upgrading Karongo Health Centre III to a Health Centre IV,” Mugabi said.
He added that the maternity ward is already operational and fully equipped to handle deliveries and provide comprehensive maternal healthcare services.
Hoima City Mayor Edward Isingoma called upon health workers at the facility to ensure efficient and professional service delivery to residents seeking medical care.
“We must ensure that the people who come here receive quality services. This investment should translate into better healthcare outcomes for our communities,” Isingoma said.
The Officer-in-Charge of Karongo Health Centre III, Gerald Kyomuhendo, applauded the Ministry of Health and the Government of Uganda for selecting the facility to benefit from the infrastructure development.
He said the new maternity ward would significantly reduce congestion and improve maternal healthcare services, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for mothers and newborns in Hoima City.
The commissioning comes amid ongoing government efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the country, particularly in maternal and child health, as Uganda seeks to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and improve access to quality healthcare services.
