Health
Sh1.9b maternity ward at Mbaraara HCII to ease congestion in Hoima
Dr Lawrence Tumusiime, the Hoima district health officer, said during the groundbreaking ceremony on September 25, 2026, that the project, funded by the East African Crude Oil Company (EACOP), is estimated to cost sh1.9b.
The facility will include a staff house, antenatal, labour and postnatal wards, as well as a VIP four-stance latrine. (Credit: Wilson Asiimwe)
By: Wilson Asiimwe, Journalist @New Vision
HOIMA - Hoima district leaders have launched the construction of a modern maternity ward at Mbaraara Health Centre II in Kitoba subcounty, Bugahya County.
Dr Lawrence Tumusiime, the Hoima district health officer, said during the groundbreaking ceremony on September 25, 2026, that the project, funded by the East African Crude Oil Company (EACOP), is estimated to cost sh1.9b.
The facility will include a staff house, antenatal, labour and postnatal wards, as well as a VIP four-stance latrine.
Tumusiime said the maternity ward is expected to help address maternal and child mortality in the area once completed.
"We are happy that we are launching the construction of another state-of-the-art maternity ward in the district which will also save the mothers from walking long distances to access services," Tumusiime said.
Pius Wakabi, the Bugahya County Member of Parliament, said the construction of the maternity ward would significantly improve health services in the district.
"We commend EACOP for initiating this project; this will help improve access to healthcare services, and the Ministry of health soon deploying an ambulance in Bugahya County to ease the transportation of expectant mothers, especially during referrals," Wakabi said.
Uthman Mugisha, the Hoima LC5 chairperson, said the district leadership was working to strengthen healthcare services.
Mugisha said that, due to the growing population, the district was also planning to upgrade Mbaraara Health Centre II to a Health Centre III.
"We are aware that even when this facility is not supposed to deliver mother's but still women come to give birth, and they can't be chased away; that's why we decided to post a midwife at the facility. Some women would move from as far as Masindi to access services," Mugisha said.
Pius Wakabi, the Bugahya County Member of Parliament, said the construction of the maternity ward would significantly improve health services in the district.
"We commend EACOP for initiating this project; this will help improve access to healthcare services, and the Ministry of health soon deploying an ambulance in Bugahya County to ease the transportation of expectant mothers, especially during referrals," Wakabi said.
Uthman Mugisha, the Hoima LC5 chairperson, said the district leadership was working to strengthen healthcare services.
Mugisha said that, due to the growing population, the district was also planning to upgrade Mbaraara Health Centre II to a Health Centre III.
"We are aware that even when this facility is not supposed to deliver mother's but still women come to give birth, and they can't be chased away; that's why we decided to post a midwife at the facility. Some women would move from as far as Masindi to access services," Mugisha said.
EACOP managing director Guillaume Dulout said the project is expected to be completed within six months.
Dulout said EACOP was working closely with the Hoima district local government to ensure women have access to quality healthcare services.
He said that, after completion, the maternity ward would also be equipped with modern equipment to support both health workers and expectant mothers.
Jemimah Ojili, an expectant woman at the health facility, expressed excitement about the plans for the new maternity ward.
"I have delivered three children at this facility and am expecting the fourth. We've had a challenge of congestion because we have only one room, but I am happy that the government, through its development partners, has come up to help us acquire a modern maternity ward," she said.
She also asked Hoima district leaders to consider increasing the number of nurses at the facility once the project is completed.
Dulout said EACOP was working closely with the Hoima district local government to ensure women have access to quality healthcare services.
He said that, after completion, the maternity ward would also be equipped with modern equipment to support both health workers and expectant mothers.
Jemimah Ojili, an expectant woman at the health facility, expressed excitement about the plans for the new maternity ward.
"I have delivered three children at this facility and am expecting the fourth. We've had a challenge of congestion because we have only one room, but I am happy that the government, through its development partners, has come up to help us acquire a modern maternity ward," she said.
She also asked Hoima district leaders to consider increasing the number of nurses at the facility once the project is completed.