Mulago Hospital—Uganda’s National Referral Medical Center
Mulago Hospital. At the heart of Kampala stands Mulago Hospital, Uganda’s largest and most important healthcare institution. Also known as Mulago National Referral Hospital, this facility serves millions of Ugandans and patients from across East Africa. It is the country’s flagship public hospital, offering both treatment and medical education.
A Century of Healing and Training
Mulago Hospital was founded in 1913 by British missionary doctor Sir Albert Cook. What started as a small clinic evolved into a massive national hospital complex. Its close partnership with Makerere University College of Health Sciences makes it the main teaching hospital in the country. Thousands of medical students, nurses, and specialists receive training here every year.
Hospital Structure and Special Units
The hospital complex is divided into several specialized branches:
- Mulago National Specialized Hospital: The main hospital block serves as the referral center for critical cases from all over Uganda. It offers general surgery, emergency care, internal medicine, pediatrics, and orthopedics.
- Mulago Women’s Referral Hospital (Kawempe Hospital): Opened in 2018, this facility focuses on maternal and neonatal care. It has 450 beds and supports high-risk pregnancies and deliveries.
- Uganda Heart Institute: This center provides cardiovascular diagnostics and surgeries, including open-heart procedures.
- Uganda Cancer Institute: Adjacent to Mulago, it offers cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research, and it is the only comprehensive cancer hospital in Uganda.
These facilities combine to form the Mulago Hospital Complex, providing comprehensive care under one umbrella.
Services and Capacity
Mulago handles a wide variety of medical services, including
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Emergency and trauma response
- Surgery and post-operative care
- Specialized ICUs and HDUs
- Radiology, diagnostics, and laboratory services
The hospital can accommodate around 1,500 patients and sees hundreds of walk-ins daily, especially in emergencies and referrals.
Renovations and Upgrades
Between 2014 and 2020, Mulago Hospital underwent a massive renovation and expansion project. With support from the Ugandan government and development partners, the upgrades cost over US$50 million. The renovation focused on:
- Increasing the number of operating theaters from 7 to 22
- Expanding the ICU from 7 beds to 41 beds
- Upgrading the maternity and neonatal units
- Improving the mortuary and general facilities
The renovation aimed to reduce congestion and improve service delivery in the face of growing health demands.
Public Health Role and Recent Events
Mulago remains at the forefront of Uganda’s public health response. From handling road traffic trauma to infectious diseases like COVID-19 and Ebola, the hospital plays a key national role.
In January 2025, Mulago was the focal point during a renewed Ebola outbreak when a nurse succumbed to the Sudan strain. The government responded swiftly with contact tracing, isolation protocols, and surveillance to contain the situation. Mulago’s preparedness and its role in response efforts highlighted its strategic importance in Uganda’s health system.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its stature, Mulago Hospital still faces challenges. These include:
- Understaffing and heavy patient load
- Equipment shortages and maintenance issues
- Funding gaps and medication stock-outs
However, ongoing government investment and international partnerships aim to improve these conditions. A growing emphasis on health worker training, infrastructure, and digitization promises better services for future generations.
Plan Your Health-Related Visit or Tour
Mulago Hospital is not only a medical facility—it’s a symbol of Uganda’s commitment to health. Whether you are visiting as a patient, student, researcher, or public health advocate, it offers insights into the region’s evolving healthcare system.
For medical tourists, NGOs, or academic visitors, guided access can be arranged through Makerere University or the Ministry of Health. For emergencies or referrals, Mulago remains Uganda’s ultimate healthcare destination.
