MBARARA, Uganda — The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) Ankole Branch has called for urgent government action to address persistent challenges affecting service delivery at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), citing overcrowding, medicine shortages, inadequate infrastructure and critical staffing gaps.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the association commended healthcare workers for their dedication despite difficult working conditions and urged authorities to implement reforms to improve patient care at one of Uganda’s busiest referral hospitals.
The statement follows an unannounced midnight visit by Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi on July 12, 2026, during which he expressed concern over the conditions at the facility. The minister found severely congested wards, patients sleeping on floors, shortages of essential medicines and supplies, and inadequate staffing, especially during night shifts.
He subsequently ordered an investigation into the hospital’s operations.
MRRH serves a large population across South Western Uganda and receives referrals from neighbouring districts as well as patients seeking specialised services from other parts of the country. The hospital, originally designed for about 270 beds, now operates with an estimated 554 beds but continues to face overwhelming demand.
Reports indicate that the facility regularly handles between 500 and 570 inpatients each night and receives about 600 outpatient visits daily. Due to limited space, some patients have been accommodated in tents, verandas and on hospital floors.
Acting Hospital Director Dr. Deus Twesigye has previously raised concerns about ageing infrastructure, including frequent breakdowns in plumbing and other systems that affect service delivery. The hospital offers specialised services such as neurosurgery, urology and cancer treatment, attracting patients from across the country.
The staffing situation remains one of the hospital’s biggest challenges, with reports indicating that only about a quarter of approved positions are filled. The shortage has placed heavy pressure on available healthcare workers, with medical interns taking on a significant share of clinical duties, particularly in emergency care.
During his inspection, Minister Baryomunsi observed the workload carried by interns and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting internship programmes. However, UMA Ankole opposed proposals to abolish internship allowances, warning that such a move could worsen staffing challenges and negatively affect patient care.
The association also highlighted shortages of essential medicines, medical supplies, laboratory reagents and diagnostic services. It noted that funding available for medicines and other supplies remains inadequate compared to the hospital’s growing needs.
On reports of possible extortion or illegal payments demanded from patients, UMA Ankole called for proper investigations to establish facts and ensure accountability. The association said cases of misconduct should be addressed while recognising the wider systemic pressures affecting health workers.
Among its recommendations, UMA Ankole urged the government to lift recruitment restrictions in the health sector, increase funding for medicines and diagnostic services, expand infrastructure and bed capacity, improve staff welfare and strengthen specialised services at lower level hospitals to reduce pressure on referral facilities.
The association said the challenges at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital reflect broader weaknesses within Uganda’s public healthcare system rather than an isolated problem. It pledged to work with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to improve access to quality healthcare.
The minister’s inspection and the ongoing probe have renewed attention on longstanding concerns over overcrowding, staffing shortages and resource constraints in Uganda’s public hospitals, highlighting the need for sustained investment in health infrastructure and human resources.
