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🇺🇬 Uganda /Health & Science

Rukungiri Health Centre IV Maternity Ward Overwhelmed by Surge in Cases

From AllAfrica Uganda · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Rukungiri Health Centre IV is facing severe overcrowding in its maternity ward, forcing staff to transfer patients to a facility 19 kilometers away.
  • The 11-bed maternity ward is consistently full, with a significant increase in surgical procedures contributing to the strain.
  • Despite rising patient numbers indicating increased confidence, the health center struggles with infrastructure challenges, though a new maternity ward extension is under construction.

Rukungiri Health Centre IV is struggling to accommodate the rising number of expectant mothers, leading to patient transfers to Bugangari Health Centre IV, located approximately 19 kilometers away. The facility's 11-bed maternity ward has reached its maximum capacity, with some women being advised to seek care elsewhere due to a lack of space.

Dr. Maureen Atwikirize, the Officer-in-Charge, confirmed the congestion on June 28, attributing the surge in patient numbers to the introduction of surgical services in November 2025. The health center, which has only 25 beds in total, reserves four for mothers recovering from Caesarean sections. Currently, all 11 maternity beds are occupied by post-surgery patients, following 16 Caesarean sections performed in a single week. Mothers who deliver normally are being accommodated in the general ward.

Mothers who deliver normally are being moved to the general ward.

— Dr. Maureen AtwikirizeDr. Atwikirize explained how the maternity ward's capacity issues are being managed.

In June alone, the center managed over 100 normal deliveries and more than 30 Caesarean sections. Dr. Atwikirize emphasized that referrals are made only when space is unavailable, asking the public not to blame healthcare workers. Health facility records show a consistent increase in demand over the past five years, with deliveries rising from 721 in the 2021/2022 financial year to 1,003 in 2025/2026. Antenatal visits and outpatient attendance have also grown significantly.

This increased demand, while reflecting growing trust in the facility, has exposed critical infrastructure limitations. Isaiah Tumwesigye stated that the government is constructing a modern maternity ward extension to alleviate congestion and enhance maternal healthcare. These referrals are intended to ensure mothers receive safe and timely care despite the current pressures on space. Officials hope the expansion will meet the growing demand and reduce the need for inter-facility transfers.

I ask the public not to blame health workers. Referrals happen only when there is no space.

— Dr. Maureen AtwikirizeDr. Atwikirize addressed potential public misunderstanding regarding patient transfers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by AllAfrica Uganda in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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