Under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership, Mulago National Referral Hospital has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Once defined by overcrowded wards, limited resources, and deteriorating infrastructure, Mulago today stands as a symbol of excellence in public healthcare.
This transformation was made possible by sustained public investment, strategic reforms, and a government prioritising health as a foundation for national development.
A Vision for National Health: President Museveni’s Leadership
When President Museveni took office in 1986, Uganda’s healthcare system, including Mulago, was in disarray.
Mulago was overwhelmed by overcrowding, underfunding, and outdated infrastructure.
The hospital’s capacity was stretched beyond its limits, and many patients were forced to seek treatment abroad.
From the very beginning, President Museveni understood that no country could develop without a healthy population.
“Health is the bedrock of our human capital development. A healthy population is essential for economic growth and national resilience,” Museveni said in a 2019 speech, underscoring his government’s focus on public health.
His administration recognised that Mulago’s recovery was essential to the nation’s broader health and development goals.
As a result, he prioritised the hospital’s renovation, ensuring it received necessary funding, policy support, and strategic reforms.
A Steady Renewal: Transforming Mulago into a Centre of Excellence
Today, Mulago National Referral Hospital is the backbone of Uganda’s public health system.
Serving as both the country’s top referral centre and a teaching hospital for Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Mulago handles complex medical cases that include severe trauma, cancer, neurological disorders, and complicated surgeries.
Yet, this transformation was not immediate—it required decades of consistent investment, policy focus, and leadership.
Under Museveni’s government, Mulago underwent a complete overhaul.
“We must ensure that every Ugandan, no matter where they come from, has access to quality care,” Museveni remarked in a 2019 speech, emphasising his administration’s commitment to making healthcare accessible for all.
Institutional Leadership and Standards: Dr. Rosemary Kusaba Byanyima’s Impact
At the helm of Mulago’s transformation is Dr. Rosemary Kusaba Byanyima, the hospital’s Executive Director.
Her leadership has been central to raising the hospital’s standards and ensuring the successful implementation of quality reforms.
Under her watch, Mulago has focused on professional accountability, organisational discipline, and international best practices.
“We have worked hard to align Mulago’s internal systems with international standards,” Dr. Byanyima said.
In 2025, the hospital became the first public institution in Uganda to receive three ISO certifications in Quality Management Systems, Environmental Management, and Occupational Health and Safety.
“This certification reflects our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare while ensuring patient safety and sustainability,” Dr. Byanyima added.
Advanced Surgery and Specialised Care: Leading the Way
Mulago has significantly advanced its capacity to perform complex surgeries and offer specialised care.
The hospital now routinely conducts advanced procedures, including hip and knee replacements, spinal surgeries, and neurosurgery.
In particular, the introduction of the neuro-operating microscope has revolutionised Mulago’s approach to delicate neurosurgical, ear, nose, and throat (ENT), and plastic surgeries.
Dr. Byanyima noted, “This is a major milestone for neurosurgery, ENT, and plastic surgery. The neuro-operating microscope allows us to perform microsurgeries with precision on very small and delicate structures, enhancing patient outcomes.”
These developments have reduced the need for patient referrals abroad, empowering Mulago to manage complex medical conditions within the country and improving survival and recovery rates.
Cancer Care and Pediatric Services: Improving Outcomes for Uganda’s Children
Cancer care at Mulago has also seen significant improvements, especially in the treatment of children.
The hospital recently renovated Ward 5C, its pediatric oncology unit, introducing modern infusion pumps, advanced monitoring systems, and a specialized pharmacy.
“These improvements make treatment more accurate and less traumatic for young patients,” explained Dr. Byanyima.
The hospital’s efforts to enhance cancer care align with the government’s goal to make such critical services more accessible and affordable for Ugandans, especially in light of rising cancer rates.
Leading the Charge in Organ Transplantation
Mulago is also making strides in organ transplantation, an area where the hospital has already seen success with kidney transplants.
Now, Mulago is expanding its efforts into liver and corneal transplants, with the goal of reducing the financial and emotional burdens faced by Ugandans who previously had to seek such services abroad.
“We are working with international partners to create a sustainable organ transplantation program here at Mulago, making these life-saving procedures more accessible to our people,” said Dr. Byanyima.
Training Uganda’s Healthcare Workforce: Ensuring a Sustainable Future
As Uganda’s principal teaching hospital, Mulago plays a key role in the education and training of the country’s health professionals.
Thousands of doctors, nurses, surgeons, and specialists have trained at Mulago, strengthening the national healthcare workforce.
Dr. Byanyima noted, “The expansion of specialised services at Mulago has enhanced hands-on training, ensuring that expertise is built locally and retained within our healthcare system. This helps to address the skills gap we have in specialized medical fields.”
In line with President Museveni’s vision for self-reliance in medical expertise, the hospital’s role in training medical professionals is critical for sustainable healthcare development in Uganda.
Infrastructure and Diagnostics: Improving Patient Care
A major component of Mulago’s transformation has been the expansion of its diagnostic and treatment infrastructure.
With the introduction of cutting-edge diagnostic technologies—such as MRI machines, CT scanners, ultrasound systems, and modern laboratories—the hospital can provide faster, more accurate diagnoses, leading to more effective treatment plans.
The hospital’s emergency units and intensive care facilities have also been expanded to manage high volumes of trauma cases, which include road traffic accidents and industrial injuries.
These upgrades have positioned Mulago as a critical regional resource, able to handle emergencies from across East Africa.
A Regional Lifeline: Mulago’s Expanding Role
Beyond its national duties, Mulago has become a regional hub for healthcare, serving patients from neighbouring countries.
Dr. Byanyima explained, “Mulago is fast becoming a regional center of excellence. We aim to offer world-class care not only to Ugandans but to our neighbours as well.”
The hospital’s future plans include restructuring Mulago into two distinct entities: a National Hospital and a National Referral Hospital.
This move is designed to decongest services and improve efficiency across departments, while ensuring a more streamlined delivery of care.
Challenges Acknowledged: Progress is Ongoing
While the transformation of Mulago is undeniable, challenges remain.
Mulago continues to face staffing shortages, funding pressures, and overwhelming patient demand.
Nevertheless, the hospital’s leadership is committed to ongoing reforms to address these constraints.
Dr. Byanyima acknowledged, “The road ahead is challenging, but we are on the right path. We are committed to continuous improvement, focusing on professional development and ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care.”
Mulago’s Future: A Beacon of Hope for Uganda and the Region
Mulago National Referral Hospital’s remarkable transformation is a testament to the power of strong leadership, strategic public investment, and committed healthcare professionals.
Today, the hospital stands as a beacon of hope for not only Ugandans but for the broader East African region.
With further investment, continued leadership, and a renewed focus on patient care, Mulago is set to redefine what is possible in public healthcare.
President Museveni’s vision for a healthier, more prosperous Uganda is realised in the successes of Mulago—a hospital that is no longer a symbol of neglect but one of healing, hope, and world-class medical care.
