Send skilled gynaecologists and obstetricians to local clinics, govt urged
“There is still a critical gap in human resources; we have a fairly motivated workforce but limited in numbers. You find a few health workers at lower facilities, and what that creates is very many referrals to the bigger hospitals Prof. Kajabwango stated.
Dr Bekson Tayebwa, chairman of the AOGU Western Chapter, explained that the symposium was organized for reproductive health workers to discuss challenges in women's healthcare, improve maternal care, and reduce maternal mortality rates. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
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Gynaecologists and obstetricians have urged the government to invest in lower-level health facilities and deploy skilled specialists to reduce overcrowding at referral hospitals.
Dr Rogers Kajabwangu, president of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda (AOGU), expressed concern over critical gaps affecting health facilities nationwide, saying the challenges could be addressed by strengthening lower-level health facilities and empowering their workforce.
He said a critical shortage of healthcare personnel at lower-level medical facilities is driving a surge in patient referrals to major hospitals, placing immense pressure on the country's healthcare system.
“There is still a critical gap in human resources; we have a fairly motivated workforce but limited in numbers. You find a few health workers at lower facilities, and what that creates is very many referrals to the bigger hospitals Prof. Kajabwango stated.
Kajabwangu said the association's appeal seeks to decongest major referral hospitals by strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery and ensuring lower-level facilities can manage more cases locally.
Ruharo Mission Hospital staff led by their hospital director, Dr Bekson Tayebwa receiving their award. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
“We call on the government to put more health workers, especially at the lower health facilities, if we could have even gynaecologists at the health centre IVs and district hospitals to manage some of the cases from that level,” he said, adding that this would also reduce the challenge of late referrals.
Kajabwangu and other health officials made the call on July 24, 2026, while speaking at the First AOGU Western Chapter Annual Reproductive Health Symposium.
The symposium brought together reproductive health professionals under the theme: "Research-Driven Innovation for Better Maternal and Perinatal Health in Western Uganda."
Dr Bekson Tayebwa, chairperson of the AOGU Western Chapter, said the symposium was organised to enable reproductive health workers to discuss challenges in women's healthcare, improve maternal care and reduce maternal mortality.
“It is important to us as an association to have this.”
Professor Musa Kayondo, the symposium chairperson, urged health workers to perform their duties with passion and remain committed to serving Ugandans.
During the event, Dr Wasswa Salongo G. Muganwa, the longest-serving gynaecologist at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, received a lifetime service award.
The symposium also recognised companies and individuals who supported the event.
Dr Ruth Grace B. Kakoba, the chief guest representing the commissioner for clinical services at the Ministry of Health, urged health workers to ensure that quality clinical care for mothers and their babies is upheld in both the public and private sectors.
Prof. Joseph Ngonzi, deputy vice chancellor for academic affairs at Mbarara University of Science and Technology and the keynote speaker, advocated collaboration and research-driven innovation to improve maternal healthcare.