Mulago plans first liver transplants as medical team trains in India

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Mulago National Referral Hospital is set to introduce liver transplant services this year, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare services.

According to Dr Frank Asimwe, a consultant urologist and transplant surgeon, the hospital has already sent a team of specialists to India for advanced training in preparation for the programme.

“Our team for liver transplant is currently in India, undergoing training. Hopefully, by July or August, we should be ready, but definitely this year we are going to conduct our maiden liver transplant,” Asimwe said.

Speaking during the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja's visit to the Kidney Unit and other departments at the hospital during the Women’s Day celebrations on March 10, 2026, Asimwe added that the hospital is also preparing to introduce other complex transplant services, including cornea and bone marrow transplants, as part of efforts to expand specialised treatment options within the country.

He explained that once the liver transplant programme is successfully rolled out, the next focus will be pancreas transplants, enabling the hospital to perform most organ transplants that can be carried out using living donors.

The specialised services are expected to reduce the need for Ugandans to travel abroad for costly transplant procedures and strengthen the country’s capacity to manage complex medical conditions locally.

Nabbanja commended President Yoweri Museveni for his commitment to saving lives.

“Where we have toured the kidney transplant, dialysis, and oncology units for children, all three of those wards were not in existence when I was the minister. This is a very big development. We even found a Member of Parliament who would otherwise have been taken to India, but they are going to operate on him here. To me, this is a big plus for our government.

My only appeal is that Ugandans must know that these services are available here,” she said.

She also encouraged the media to inform Ugandans about the specialised services offered at Mulago National Referral Hospital, noting that many patients continue to travel to other countries for treatment that is now available locally.

The day was celebrated under the theme "Mental Health Challenges Building Resilience Among Female Health Care Workers at Mulago".

Dr Rosemary Byanyima, the hospital’s executive director, encouraged staff who need psychiatric treatment not to be shy and end up in a worse situation when they can be helped and continue to be productive.

The head of Public Service, Lucy Nakyobe, called for the need to open conversations about mental health, noting that for too long the issue has been surrounded by stigma.

"Many people feel they must appear strong even when they are struggling. Please, that's what leads to breakdowns and depressions. If you feel you have issues, disclose them to your immediate boss and seek support. Strength also means seeking support, leaning on colleagues, and recognising that no one carries the burden of service alone,” Nakyobe said.

She encouraged the leadership of Mulago Hospital and the wider health sector to continue building supportive workplace cultures where health workers feel valued not only for the work they do but also as human beings.

Dr Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, also encouraged health workers to take care of themselves. She added that even as they look after their own well-being, they should not forget their professional calling and the critical role they play in caring for the sick.