“Healthy mothers give birth to healthy children, and this builds strong families and communities,” Muhanga said, calling for strengthened collective efforts to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns.
The number of women dying during childbirth in Uganda remains alarmingly high, with experts warning that urgent, collective action is needed to save lives.
Health officials estimate that about 12 women die every day while giving birth. Although this marks an improvement from roughly 30 daily deaths recorded in previous years, the figure continues to raise serious concern among stakeholders in the health sector.
These concerns were underscored by the Executive Director of Save the Mothers East Africa, Dr. Mushin Nsubuga, during the organization’s annual conference at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono. The event drew participants from across the region and beyond under the theme: “Every Change Matters: Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Reaching Every Woman and Every Newborn Everywhere.”
Dr. Nsubuga commended the government for progress made in reducing maternal mortality but stressed that the gains remain insufficient. He called for a multi-sectoral approach, urging individuals, communities, and institutions to share responsibility in addressing the persistent challenge.
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He cited key contributors to maternal and newborn deaths, including delays in accessing health facilities, inadequate medical equipment, shortages of skilled health workers, and transport challenges—especially for expectant mothers in hard-to-reach areas such as islands. Poverty also continues to prevent many women from seeking timely and appropriate care.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Jerome Kabakyenga noted that young people are disproportionately affected due to limited access to youth-friendly reproductive health services. He also highlighted negative attitudes among some health workers, early pregnancies, and inadequate resources as major barriers to safe motherhood.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of UCU, Professor Aaron Mushengyezi, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to improving maternal health through training and research. He emphasized that investing in maternal and child health is critical to national development, noting that safeguarding mothers and children ultimately secures the country’s future.
“Maternal health is not just a medical issue; it is a national priority that requires the involvement of everyone, without discrimination,” he said.
David Mugawe, a board member of Save the Mothers East Africa, expressed optimism about the gradual decline in maternal deaths since the organization began its work in 2005. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly inadequate equipment in health facilities, despite efforts to upgrade maternity wards and supply essential tools.
He also called for greater male involvement in maternal health, emphasizing that ensuring safe childbirth should not rest on women alone.
The organization’s Chairperson and former Mityana District Woman MP, Sylvia Ssenabulya Namabidde, attributed the progress so far to strong collaboration between government and stakeholders. She urged sustained commitment to ensure that no woman dies while giving life.
The State Minister for Primary Health Care, Margaret Muhanga Mugisha, who officiated as chief guest, highlighted the vital role of mothers in national development, describing them as the foundation of life.
She revealed that the government has constructed more than 100 health facilities nationwide to improve access to maternal health services. She encouraged women to seek professional medical care during childbirth and discouraged reliance on traditional birth attendants.
“Healthy mothers give birth to healthy children, and this builds strong families and communities,” Muhanga said, calling for strengthened collective efforts to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns.
Despite the progress recorded, stakeholders agree that more must be done to eliminate preventable maternal deaths and ensure every woman has access to safe, quality childbirth services.
