Kawempe Hospital cuts maternal deaths but faces rising pressure on services
The improvement was disclosed by Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Byaruhanga while appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (Central Government), pointing to gains in maternal healthcare delivery at one of Uganda’s busiest referral facilities.
Kawempe National Referral Hospital has recorded a significant reduction in maternal deaths over the past three years, dropping from more than 200 annually to about 60 deaths out of roughly 20,000 deliveries.
The improvement was disclosed by Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Byaruhanga while appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (Central Government), pointing to gains in maternal healthcare delivery at one of Uganda’s busiest referral facilities.
Despite the progress, Dr. Byaruhanga said the hospital continues to face overwhelming patient numbers and limited resources.
He noted that nearly half of all deliveries, about 30 out of every 60, are conducted through caesarean section, far exceeding the 15 percent rate recommended by the World Health Organization.
Members of Parliament raised concerns over the implications of the high surgical rate, warning that the pressure on staff, theatre space, and equipment could affect the quality of care. They also highlighted the growing strain on maternal and neonatal units, which are already operating under capacity constraints.
The developments underscore the dual reality at Kawempe Hospital—marked improvements in maternal outcomes alongside persistent structural challenges that require increased investment in staffing, infrastructure, and essential medical supplies.
