Kawempe National Referral Hospital

Kawempe National Referral Hospital (KNRH), also known as Kawempe Specialised National Referral Hospital, is a prominent public healthcare facility located in Kawempe Division, approximately 6 kilometers north of Kampala’s city center along the Kampala–Gulu Highway . Established in 2016, the hospital was constructed between 2014 and 2016 at an estimated cost of US$11.3 million, funded by the African Development Bank and the Nigeria Trust Fund .

Purpose and Role

KNRH was developed as part of Uganda’s strategy to decongest Mulago National Referral Hospital by providing specialized care for women and children, particularly in obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics . The hospital serves a rapidly growing urban population, with Kampala’s daytime population estimated at 4.5 million .

Facilities and Services

The hospital has a capacity of 200 beds and offers a range of specialized services, including:

• Antenatal care and family planning

• Labor and delivery services

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

• Pediatric inpatient and outpatient care

• Gynecological emergency services

• Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM)

• HIV/AIDS testing and care

• Radiology services (X-Ray, CT scan, and ultrasound)

• Intensive care services

• Occupational therapy and physiotherapy

• Oncology clinic

• Cervical cancer screening and diagnosis

KNRH operates 24/7 and is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment to cater to a wide range of medical conditions .

Leadership

As of June 2022, Dr. Byaruhanga Emmanuel Kayogoza, a senior consultant in obstetrics and gynecology, serves as the Executive Director of KNRH. He succeeded Dr. Nehemiah Katusiime, who held the position since August 2018 .

Research and Innovation

KNRH is actively involved in clinical research and has participated in several trials, including studies on early versus late BCG vaccination in HIV-1 exposed infants and interventions for postpartum hemorrhage . The hospital utilizes an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system to enhance patient care and data management, which has been particularly beneficial during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic .

Partnerships and Support

The hospital collaborates with various organizations, including Makerere University, UNICEF, USAID, and the Ministry of Health, to improve healthcare delivery and infrastructure. UNICEF, for instance, has supported the refurbishment and equipping of labor wards, theaters, and high-dependency units for mothers .

Contact Information

• Address: Plot 1035/3883, Kawempe Bombo Road, P.O. Box 3253, Kampala, Uganda

• Phone: +256 414 672552

• Email: Kawemperefhosp18@gmail.com

• Website: kawempehospital.go.ug