Rukungiri Health Centre IV Faces Maternity Bed Crisis as Patient Numbers Rise
Rukungiri: Rukungiri Health Centre IV well known as (Rwamawa) located in Rukungiri Municipality is struggling with an increasing number of expectant mothers seeking maternity services, with the facility’s 11-bed maternity ward operating beyond capacity.
The situation has forced health workers to transfer some mothers to Bugangari Health Centre IV in Bugangari Sub-county, about 19 kilometres from Rukungiri Municipality.
Some expectant mothers, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, said they were informed that the maternity ward was full and there was no space to admit them. They were advised to seek services at other health facilities.
Speaking to our reporter on June 28, the Officer-in-Charge of Rukungiri Health Centre IV, Dr. Maureen Atwikirize, confirmed the situation. She said the number of patients has increased significantly since the health centre started offering surgical services through its operating theatre in November 2025.
Dr. Atwikirize explained that the health centre has a total bed capacity of only 25, including 11 maternity beds. Out of these, four were designated for mothers recovering from Caesarean Section (C-section) operations. However, all 11 maternity beds are currently occupied by mothers who underwent surgery because the facility performed 16 C-sections in one week alone.
She added that mothers who deliver normally are now being admitted to the general ward due to a lack of space in the maternity unit.
CUE IN……DR. ATWIKIRIZE…ENG
Dr. Atwikirize said the health centre is working closely with Bugangari Health Centre IV by transferring mothers whenever the maternity ward becomes full. She noted that the facility uses its ambulance to transport the patients safely.
She revealed that during this month of June alone, the health centre handled more than 30 Caesarean Section deliveries and over 100 normal deliveries.
Dr Atwikirize asked the public to stop blaming or abusing health workers, saying referrals are made only when the facility has no available space.
CUE IN…..DR. ATWIKIRIZE ON TRANSFERS…ENG
According to statistics from the Principal Health Officer’s office, deliveries at Rukungiri Health Centre IV have steadily increased. The facility recorded 721 deliveries in the 2021/2022 financial year, 752 in 2022/2023, 710 in 2023/2024, 710 in 2024/2025, and 1,003 deliveries in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Antenatal care visits have also risen from 2,870 in 2021/2022 to 3,705 in 2025/2026.
Outpatient attendance increased from 19,567 in 2021/2022 to 20,577 in 2025/2026, while admissions rose from 828 to 1,153 over the same period.
Responding to the increasing demand for maternity services, the Rukungiri Municipal Council Town Clerk, Isaiah Tumwesigye, assured the public that Government is already addressing the challenge through the ongoing construction of a modern maternity ward extension at Rukungiri Health Centre IV.
He emphasized that referrals to Bugangari Health Centre IV should not be misinterpreted, noting that they are intended to ensure that mothers continue receiving safe and quality healthcare without delay.
The Principal Health Officer, Dr. Ahabwe, reminded members of the public that all services offered at Rukungiri Health Centre IV are provided free of charge as they are fully funded by the Government of Uganda. He urged residents to disregard misinformation suggesting that patients are required to pay for government healthcare services.
He commended the health workers at Rukungiri Health Centre IV for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to serving the community, noting that the growing number of patients is a clear reflection of public trust and confidence in the quality of services being delivered.
CUE IN…..DR. DAVIS AHABWE…RR