Updated By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1440 EAT on Wednesday 24 December 2025

Mulago National Referral Hospital has announced plans to introduce liver transplant services next year, a groundbreaking development that is expected to provide life-saving treatment to hundreds of patients suffering from advanced liver diseases in need of specialized surgical care.

Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, the hospital’s executive director, revealed that Mulago has already identified several patients with chronic liver conditions through its specialized clinics who urgently require transplants. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s healthcare system, as it becomes the first hospital in the country to offer liver transplant services.

To ensure the success of this program, Mulago will collaborate with Yashoda Hospital in India. Specialists from Yashoda will partner with Mulago’s medical teams to perform Uganda’s first-ever liver transplant, combining local expertise with international support to provide high-quality care for patients in need.

This development is expected to enhance the treatment options available for individuals with severe liver diseases, reducing the need for patients to seek expensive medical care abroad.

Mulago National Referral Hospital has taken significant steps toward launching its liver transplant services next year, with multidisciplinary teams already dispatched to India and the United Kingdom for specialized training. These one-month programs are designed to enhance the hospital’s capacity and ensure that its medical teams are fully prepared for the complex procedures involved in liver transplantation.

Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, the hospital’s executive director, confirmed that upon their return, the teams will begin screening patients for liver transplants while applying their newly acquired skills in procedures, protocols, and patient preparation. This training marks a crucial step forward as Mulago readies itself for Uganda’s first-ever liver transplants.

In a significant achievement, Mulago has already successfully conducted three kidney transplants, a milestone that strengthens its organ transplant program. Both the donors and recipients involved in these procedures are reported to be in stable condition, highlighting the hospital’s growing expertise in organ transplantation.

However, Dr. Byanyima raised concerns over funding and staffing constraints as Mulago prepares for the expected surge in demand for specialized services, particularly with the introduction of liver transplants. She appealed to the government and the Ministry of Health to increase the hospital’s funding, stressing that the success of the liver transplant program will depend on adequate resources and support.

The planned liver transplant service is expected to provide life-saving options for patients with advanced liver diseases, significantly improving the country’s healthcare offerings.

Mulago National Referral Hospital is calling for increased funding and permanent staffing to support its expanding organ transplant program, particularly as it prepares to roll out liver transplants next year. Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, the hospital’s executive director, emphasized the need for continuous transplant services, noting that the current “camp mode” approach, where transplant teams are mobilized for procedures and then return to their respective units, is not sustainable.

“We want transplant services to be continuous. This requires permanently stationed staff, which in turn calls for improved remuneration,” Byanyima said.

Mulago currently receives just Shs 8.6 billion from the National Medical Stores (NMS) for essential medicines and sundries, far below the estimated optimal requirement of about Shs 35 billion. The hospital’s annual budget for patient medicines is Shs 23 billion, against a projected need of Shs 101 billion. Byanyima pointed out that this significant funding gap limits the hospital’s ability to deliver quality services, often forcing patients’ attendants to purchase medicines and supplies that the hospital cannot provide.

Additionally, Byanyima raised concerns over understaffing, revealing that current staffing levels are at just 57 percent. This shortage continues to impact service delivery across various departments and hampers the hospital’s ability to meet the growing demand for specialized care.

In more positive news, Mulago has recently achieved ISO certification from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. Dr. Jane Nakibuuka, a senior consultant physician and chairperson of the hospital’s Quality Assurance Committee, announced that Mulago has been accredited for three management systems: ISO 9001 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management Systems, and ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.

Nakibuuka highlighted that the ISO certification is a significant milestone for Mulago, following the implementation of several reforms aimed at improving healthcare service delivery. It will help ensure the hospital maintains consistent quality standards and complies with regulatory requirements, marking a step forward in the hospital’s efforts to enhance patient care.

Source: The Observer

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