MBARARA CITY, April 16, 2026 — Access to maternal healthcare in Mbarara City is set for a major boost following the official handover of a construction site for a new multi-storeyed maternity ward and theatre at Mbarara Municipal Council Health Centre IV.
The project, valued at Shs 3.04 billion [approximately US$835,979], is funded through the United States Department of State, in partnership with the Uganda Health Activity [UHA] and the Ministry of Health.
The handover ceremony was attended by key city leaders, including Deputy RCC for South Division Gerald Tukamuhebwa, Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, City Speaker Bonny Tashobya Karutsya, and Deputy Town Clerk Simon Ejua. Bullen Construction and Supplies Ltd has been contracted to complete the works within six months, with a firm deadline of September 30, 2026.
Expanding maternity capacity
The new facility is expected to significantly increase the health centre’s capacity, raising the number of expectant mothers it can accommodate from 70 to 250. The expansion is aimed at easing congestion at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
City Speaker Bonny Tashobya Karutsya said the council is already considering further expansion beyond the current design.
“This development will initially comprise a ground and first floor, but as a council we intend to extend it further with additional floors to accommodate more mothers,” he said. “We have already increased our capacity from 30 to 70 expectant mothers, and once this project is complete, we expect to handle up to 250. This will greatly reduce pressure on the regional referral hospital.”
In a lighter moment, Karutsya encouraged residents to make full use of the improved services, noting that the expanded facility would ensure safer deliveries and better access to care. He also revealed plans to recruit additional medical personnel to match the increased capacity.
Karutsya expressed appreciation for the external support behind the project. “We are grateful for the support from the American people, channelled through the Ministry of Health, which has enabled Mbarara Municipal Health Centre IV to benefit from this important upgrade,” he said.
Plans to elevate facility to city hospital
The expansion forms part of a broader plan to upgrade the facility into a fully-fledged city hospital. To create more space, the City Council intends to relocate its offices.
“As a city, we are preparing to vacate our current premises and relocate to Kamukuzi so that this facility can expand further,” Karutsya explained. “We are also appealing to the Ministry of Health to elevate this Health Centre IV to the status of a city hospital. With both a regional referral hospital and a city hospital, service delivery will improve significantly and patients will be attended to more quickly.”
Focus on results and accountability
Dr Augustine Muhwezi, project lead at Uganda Health Activity, stressed that the investment must translate into tangible improvements in health outcomes.
“This project is funded by American taxpayers to support better service delivery for the people of Uganda, and we must ensure it delivers results,” he said. “We will be tracking key indicators such as the number of deliveries, patient satisfaction and reductions in neonatal deaths. That is how we will demonstrate that this investment is making a real difference.”
He warned that the project must be completed within the agreed timeline.
“The funding is time-bound and must be utilised by the end of September 2026. Any delays risk losing these resources, which would be a serious setback. I urge all stakeholders to closely supervise the contractor to ensure timely completion,” Muhwezi added.
Health workers pledge support
Dr Alfred Mugalula, who leads the medical team at the facility, said staff are fully committed to supporting the project, even if it involves temporary disruptions.
“As management and staff, we are ready to make any necessary adjustments to facilitate construction,” he said. “Our priority is to ensure that every woman who comes here receives the care she needs. We are already operating day and night, including weekends, but the pressure is high. We need at least two more doctors and additional midwives to meet demand.”
Call for efficiency and staff welfare
Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi urged the contractor to prioritise timely delivery, saying progress on the ground would matter more than paperwork.
He also called for fairness in staff promotions, particularly for long-serving personnel in acting roles.
“It is demoralising for staff to remain in acting positions for many years despite having the required qualifications,” he said. “We should prioritise promoting capable staff who have already demonstrated their ability to serve.”
Contractor promises swift start
Felix Kakaire, representing Bullen Construction and Supplies Ltd, said work would begin immediately.
“Construction is starting right away. As you leave here, you will see demolition works underway, and within days the site will be cleared,” he said. “We are also committed to environmental sustainability, every tree removed will be replaced with three new ones.”
Once completed, the upgraded facility is expected to play a critical role in improving maternal and neonatal health services in Mbarara City and the surrounding regions.
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