By Aggrey Twesigye
Mbarara city has officially commissioned the construction of a UGX 3 billion maternity ward at Mbarara City Health Centre IV, marking a significant step toward improving maternal and child healthcare services in the area
Mbarara city leaders on Thursday officially handed over the construction site, launching a project expected to be completed within six months, with the contract awarded to Bullen construction and supplies limited.
The contract involves the construction of a one-storey facility, with supervision by Arch Forum Limited, and is scheduled for completion by the end of September 2026
According to project details, the new maternity ward will include a fully equipped theatre, labour suite, antenatal care facilities, a laboratory, and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit .
Dr. Muhwezi Augustine, the project lead for Uganda Health Activity, said the initiative is being implemented with funding from the United States government in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
He noted that the project goes beyond construction, revealing that procurement processes for maternal and child health equipment are already underway, with installation expected upon completion of the building.
Dr. Muhwezi added that the new facility is expected to ease congestion at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital by providing additional capacity for maternal services.
Dr. Mugarura Alfred the in charge of the facility highlighted the growing demand for maternity services at the health centre, noting that the introduction of a theatre had already led to an increase in the number of women seeking delivery services.
He expressed optimism that the new maternity ward would further boost service uptake.
Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi,the mbarara city mayor urged the contractor to deliver high-quality work within the agreed timeframe.
Gerald Tukamuheebwa, the deputy RCC for mbarara city south division cautioned against substandard construction and called on the community to take ownership of the project.
