Kawempe National Referral Hospital has dramatically lowered its annual maternal mortality rate from over 200 deaths to just 60 over the past three years, according to testimony presented to Parliament.

The revelation came from the hospital’s Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Byaruhanga, during an appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The committee was reviewing findings from the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ending June 30, 2025.

Dr. Byaruhanga highlighted the significant progress in reducing maternal deaths, crediting improved services, better emergency obstetric care, and enhanced maternal health interventions at the facility, which serves as a key referral center for high-risk pregnancies in the Kampala metropolitan area and surrounding regions.

The committee also probed the hospital’s fee structure and service delivery.

Chairperson Gorreth Namugga questioned charges for C-sections in the hospital’s six-bed private wing (Shs2.5 million), emphasizing that core maternal services should remain free.

She urged sensitization so women know C-sections are available at no cost in the public section.

Hope Nakazibwe (NUP, Mubende District Woman Representative) inquired about the availability of free mama kits and supplies, and whether shortages lead to out-of-pocket payments.

Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu West County MP) raised concerns about nearby private pharmacies and a mini-hospital potentially charging patients, questioning the extent of truly free care.

Dr. Byaruhanga reaffirmed that all services at Kawempe Hospital are 100% free except for radiology (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI), which generates non-tax revenue.

He acknowledged isolated reports of unofficial charges but stressed they are not hospital policy.

The hospital provides comprehensive maternal and neonatal care as a national referral facility, handling complicated deliveries and high-risk cases referred from lower-level health centers.

The reduction in maternal deaths aligns with national efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 (good health and well-being) by reducing maternal mortality ratios.

No specific causes of the previous high mortality rates or detailed interventions were outlined in the testimony, but the achievement marks a major step forward in addressing Uganda’s maternal health challenges, where preventable deaths from hemorrhage, infections, hypertension, and obstructed labor remain concerns in many facilities.