
Story by Aggrey Twesigye
The World Bank and the Ministry of Health have launched a significant project aimed at addressing the persistent overcrowding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). The new facility, valued at $1.9 million (about Shs 7.12 billion), is set to provide a 100-bed capacity, which is a major step toward improving neonatal care in the region. Dr. Deus Twesigye, the Acting Director and Senior Consultant General Surgeon at MRRH, confirmed that the construction is underway and expected to be completed by April 2025.
The new NICU, which will be housed in a four-story building, will be the first of its kind among the 17 regional referral facilities across Uganda. This facility aims to reduce perinatal deaths and address the high demand for neonatal care, with Mbarara Hospital currently admitting 3,000 babies annually, 35% of whom require intensive neonatal care. The new NICU will not only serve the Western region but will be a crucial asset for the entire country, potentially increasing the survival rate for critically ill newborns beyond the current 95%.
In addition to the NICU, a call and dispatch center, valued at Shs 2.8 billion, is being built near the emergency ward to further enhance the hospital’s capabilities. However, construction delays and issues with the quality of work by Wiljon Construction Company Ltd, which is overseeing the call center project, have caused some frustration among the hospital’s management.
The improvements in Mbarara Hospital are expected to elevate the city’s status, with the local city commissioner, Robert Kanusu, even suggesting that Mbarara could become known as a “medical city.” With the addition of these advanced medical facilities, Mbarara Hospital will continue to provide over 40 specialized services, ranging from neurosurgery to pediatric surgery, solidifying its role as a leading healthcare provider in Uganda.