Lira District, Uganda 7th March, 2026 In a month dedicated to celebrating International Women’s Day, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has delivered a transformative gift to the women of Northern Uganda. Through the MUSA Project, supported by the Hal family from the United States, MUST has officially commissioned a 45-bed specialized maternal health and urogynecology ward at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH).
The ceremony was graced by the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, marking a milestone in MUST’s mission to provide “Succeed we MUST” solutions to the nation’s most pressing healthcare challenges.
A Legacy of Selfless Service
Dr. James Okello, Head of Obstetrics & Gynecology at LRRH, expressed profound gratitude to the Ministry of Health and paid a moving tribute to Assoc. Prof. Musa Kayondo, the visionary behind the project.
“He is my teacher and my mentor,” Dr. Okello noted. “His selflessness has not only served MUST but the entire country. By establishing the first-ever Urogynecology fellowship at MUST, he has empowered a new generation of specialists.”
Reflecting on their partnership since 2020, Dr. Okello recalled surgical camps that were so overwhelmed by demand that other departments, including ophthalmology, would pause operations to accommodate the influx of women seeking healing.
The Hospital Director, Dr. Andrew Odur, highlighted the project’s timely arrival. What began as a modest 10-bed unit has been transformed into a state-of-the-art 45-bed facility. The urgency is backed by sobering statistics at LRRH:
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8,400 annual deliveries.
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2,100 C-sections performed each year.
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Limited Space: The previous 21-bed capacity left many women without proper care.
According to MOH and UNFPA records, the Lango region suffers from the highest backlog of unrepaired obstetric fistula in Uganda. For many women in this community, this center is more than a medical facility; it is a restoration of marriages and an end to years of deep social stigmatization.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Assoc. Prof. Musa Kayondo delivered a message of academic and clinical excellence. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that MUST is now a leader in super-specialized training, including:
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Pediatric Surgery
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Neurosurgery
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Urogynecology (The first of its kind in East, Central, and Southern Africa)
“This ward and training center will serve the entire Northern Region, bringing specialized care closer to the community,” Prof. Byakika-Kibwika stated. She lauded Dr. Kayondo for going “the extra mile” and thanked the international funders for believing in the MUST mission.
A Beacon of Hope
During the commissioning, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng extended her profound appreciation to MUST for its steadfast support of regional referral hospitals. She specifically commended Dr. Kayondo for his leadership and the Hospital Director for his effective governance.
“Dr. Musa Kayondo, your work has saved so many,” the Minister remarked. “This center is more than just a building; it is a specialized hub for healing and a training ground for the next generation. Together, we are changing lives.”
As MUST continues to bridge the gap between academic excellence and community service, this facility stands as a testament to the university’s guiding principle: in the face of adversity and medical need, Succeed we MUST.
