Uganda Records Seven Percent Increase in Hospital Deaths, Report Shows

Health facilities across Uganda have registered a notable increase in patient fatalities over a two-year period, according to official government data. Statistics show that deaths among admitted patients rose by seven percent, climbing from 47,269 fatalities in 2023 to 50,563 in 2025.

These findings were highlighted in the Annual Health Sub-Programme Performance Report for the 2025/2026 financial year, which was released in Kampala. The report outlines the heavy burden that preventable and treatable illnesses continue to place on the country’s healthcare system.

Pneumonia emerged as the leading cause of hospital deaths, claiming 3,215 lives. Malaria ranked second, while hypertension was identified as the third leading cause of mortality in health facilities.

Health experts note that pneumonia remains a severe threat, particularly among vulnerable populations. The infection accounts for roughly 10 percent of deaths among children under the age of five in Uganda, translating to an estimated 25 child deaths daily. Globally, pneumonia claims nearly 1.8 million children each year, predominantly in developing nations.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and the completion of prescribed treatments to curb the surge in severe malaria and pneumonia cases. Meanwhile, stakeholders hope that planned interventions, such as the prospective rollout of a national health insurance scheme, will eventually help ease the financial barriers to timely treatment for Ugandans.

Read more about this report on the Daily Monitor.