New Hope for Premature Babies as Mukono Unveils Modern Neonatal Care Unit

Mukono District Local Government has officially launched a newly renovated Neonatal Care Unit at Mukono General Hospital, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve maternal and newborn health services in the district.

The unit was renovated with support from Save the Children in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The launch ceremony attracted district leaders, health workers and development partners, who reaffirmed their commitment to reducing newborn deaths and strengthening service delivery.

Dr. Kasirye Martine, Executive Consultant at Mukono General Hospital, revealed that the facility handles about 900 deliveries every month, making it one of the busiest hospitals in the region. “Approximately 12 percent of babies born here require special care due to prematurity, low birth weight or breathing complications,” she said.

Before the renovation, complicated neonatal cases were referred to Kawempe National Referral Hospital and Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital. Leaders noted that the new unit will significantly reduce referrals and enable more babies to receive specialized care within the district.

Hospital officials disclosed that more than 117 babies have been lost in the past six months, highlighting the urgent need for improved neonatal services. The new unit is expected to lower these numbers through better equipment, trained personnel and enhanced monitoring.

The District Health Officer, Dr. Mulindwa Stephen, commended Save the Children for its continued support, recalling earlier interventions between 2014 and 2016 that strengthened child health services through mentorship, training and equipment provision. He added that the Ministry of Public Service has cleared the recruitment of a paediatrician, with funding already secured.

Plans are also underway to upgrade Goma and Katogo Health Centres from Level III to Level IV status to ease congestion at the general hospital.

The Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Ddamba Henry, praised hospital staff for their dedication despite staffing challenges. “Government is working to address the gaps and ensure improved service delivery,” he assured.

Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mr. Muyambi Moses described the new unit as a milestone for the district and urged men to take an active role in supporting their wives during pregnancy and childbirth.

“Maternal health is a shared responsibility. Men should escort their wives for antenatal care, be present during delivery and provide both emotional and financial support,” Muyambi said.

The event featured an emotional testimony from Namuweleza Victoria, whose premature baby weighing one kilogram survived after receiving specialized care at the hospital for nearly a month. She thanked the hospital staff, government and Save the Children for saving her child’s life.

Speaking on behalf of Save the Children, Rachel Hopkins reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring every child has a healthy start in life through partnerships with government and communities. Representing the Director General of Health Services, Dr. Miriam Ajambo pledged continued government support to strengthen health infrastructure.

As leaders cut the ribbon to officially open the unit, the ceremony was marked by optimism and renewed partnership in safeguarding mothers and newborns across Mukono District.