Joy filled maternity wards at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital after the facility successfully delivered 244 babies during the festive season, hospital figures show.
The births were recorded between December 24, 2025, and January 1, 2026, a period typically marked by staff shortages and strained emergency services across the country.
When Daily Monitor visited the hospital on Friday, mothers recovering in the postnatal ward spoke of relief and gratitude, with several saying they had been referred to the regional hospital after developing complications at lower health facilities.
Ms Judith Tusiime, who delivered by caesarean section, described her newborn as a ‘miracle girl’ after days of uncertainty.
‘We had spent five days here on the advice of doctors. I was very worried because I knew the days I was supposed to deliver had elapsed, but when I finally delivered, I knew it was God’s blessing – my baby is a miracle,’ she said.
Another mother, Ms Phiona Ainembabazi, was referred from Rubindi Health Centre III in Mbarara District after developing complications close to her expected delivery date.
‘I knew I was going to give my family a Christmas gift because it was when I was supposed to deliver, but after I was referred to Mbarara Hospital, I got scared and started crying out to my God. I am very happy that God answered my prayers and here is now my baby girl,’ she said.
Her husband, Mr Jonan Tumusiime, said the referral was emotionally draining.
‘You know what it means when doctors tell you your person has been referred to a higher-level facility. You expect two things, death or survival, but majorly what races in your mind is if death occurs. I am excited to thank God for his mercy,’ he said.
Hospital officials said the festive period passed without the loss of any mothers or babies.
The hospital’s public relations officer, Mr Halson Kagure, said all mothers and newborns were in stable condition.
‘We did not lose any babies during this period, and all the mothers that delivered are in good shape,’ Mr Kagure said.
He attributed the outcome to heightened emergency preparedness, including round-the-clock staffing in key departments.
‘We had a 24/7 emergency team in obstetrics and gynecology, radiology and laboratories. We also strengthened our ambulance system,’ he said.
Mr Kagure added that improved capacity at lower health facilities and faster referrals played a key role.
‘We did not register the death of either mothers or unborn babies because of the capacity building we have done with lower health facilities. They made referrals very quickly, and unlike in the past, many of them remained operational during the festive season,’ he said.