Rising kidney failure, cost of dialysis worry patients in Ankole

What the report says

Kidney failure cases are rising in Uganda’s Ankole sub-region, according to reporting by The Independent Uganda from Mbarara. Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital said it recorded 450 kidney failure cases last year, and its renal unit now sees about 30 patients a month. The hospital says many of those arriving for care are referred from other facilities because specialised kidney services remain limited in the region.

Dr. Rose Muhindo, who heads the renal ward, said the number of people needing advanced kidney care continues to grow while treatment options remain constrained. She said the dialysis unit currently has 30 patients, and that only a small number of monthly cases are referred for further management, usually when chronic kidney failure has progressed to the point that transplant-level care is needed. Similar services are available elsewhere in the wider area at Rugarama Hospital and Kabale Regional Referral Hospital.

The report highlights the financial strain on patients, many of whom pay for dialysis and transplant-related care out of pocket. One patient interviewed, Boaz Ainemugisha of Sheema District, said he spends about Shs360,000 a week on dialysis and has been on treatment for four years. Muhindo said many patients arrive late because early kidney problems are often missed, and she urged regular check-ups, healthier diets, exercise, and attention to conditions linked to kidney disease such as HIV, hepatitis and diabetes.

Hospital communications manager Halson Kagure said the facility is prepared to handle more renal patients, except for transplant cases, and that the Ministry of Health continues to support the unit. The story underscores broader concerns about delayed diagnosis, limited specialist care and the cost of long-term treatment in the region.