Kinyara Sugar commissions Shs600m maternity unit to boost maternal healthcare in Masindi

What the report says

Nile Post reported that Kinyara Sugar Limited has commissioned a Shs600 million maternity unit at Kinyara Health Centre III in Masindi District, intended to expand access to emergency obstetric and newborn care for communities in the area and nearby districts. The facility includes an operating theatre, neonatal intensive care unit, high dependency unit, post-operative ward, doctors’ room, procedure room, staff changing area, reception and sanitary facilities.

According to the report, the unit was built by the Sarrai Group of Companies in memory of Sarjit Kaur Rai, mother of the group chairman. Kinyara Sugar officials described the project as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility work, with Chief Executive Officer Ravi Ramalingam saying it would serve both employees and surrounding communities. Human Resource Manager Moses Kabira also linked the investment to broader support in health, education and community welfare.

Health officials said the new wing addresses a service gap that had pushed many expectant mothers to deliver elsewhere. Dr Enock Mbayo, the officer in charge of Kinyara Health Centre III, said the facility had received more than 1,000 antenatal care clients in the previous quarter but recorded only 63 deliveries, partly because it lacked theatre capacity for emergency Caesarean sections. Masindi Assistant District Health Officer Patrick Baguma said district authorities would continue supervision and equipment support as they pursue an upgrade of the facility to Health Centre IV status.

Local leaders, including Kabango Town Council LCIII Chairperson Richard Oyomtho, Bujenje County MP Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha and Masindi District Chairperson Patrick Wobusobozi, welcomed the development. They said it could reduce long referrals for surgical maternity care and encouraged residents to use the services earlier rather than waiting until complications worsen.