Health 14 October 2026 Nile Post
Kawempe Hospital Faces Critical Power Outages Threatening Newborn Care
Kawempe National Referral Hospital is experiencing frequent power outages that critically endanger newborn care, particularly the continuous oxygen supply vital for incubators. Hospital administrators are urging for a more stable power solution from the electricity distributor. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/378463/kawempe-hospital-raises-alarm-over-power-outages-affecting-newborn-care
Frequent power interruptions at Kawempe National Referral Hospital are posing a significant threat to the care of vulnerable newborns. The hospital’s Principal Administrator, Mary Kabugho, highlighted during a recent stakeholder meeting with the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) that these outages critically affect the facility’s oxygen plant.
This disruption directly impacts the oxygen supply to incubators, placing critically ill infants at grave risk. Kabugho appealed to UEDCL to ensure the hospital receives a dedicated and standalone transformer to guarantee a reliable power source for its essential medical equipment.
UEDCL officials, however, stated that a dedicated mini-transformer has been installed at the Kawanda substation specifically to serve the hospital, with the power line running underground to minimize external disruptions. Despite this, the hospital’s concerns underscore the severe consequences of unstable electricity in healthcare settings.
While power outages can inconvenience households and businesses, in hospitals, they can compromise life-saving equipment and essential services, directly impacting patient safety. The stakeholder engagement also saw local leaders and consumers call for broader improvements in the electricity distribution network and service reliability.
Kawempe North MP Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola stressed the necessity of dependable power for both domestic needs and industrial development. Similarly, Kawempe Division Mayor Emmanuel Serunjoji urged UEDCL to enhance its operations and public outreach.
While UEDCL asserts a dedicated transformer is in place for Kawempe Hospital, the recurring outages raise questions about the effectiveness of the current infrastructure. Maintaining a consistent electricity supply is paramount for safeguarding critical hospital functions, especially for newborns and other patients reliant on uninterrupted medical attention.