Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital was filled with renewed hope in May 2025, as a specialized urogynecology and female pelvic floor reconstructive surgery camp brought much-needed relief to women with pelvic floor disorders among them fistula, pelvic organ prolapse. This impactful initiative, generously sponsored by a grant from the Else Kroner Foundation through Professor Verena Alice Geissbuhler from the University of Basel, Switzerland, marked the second such camp at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital this year.
The camp provided comprehensive care for a range of debilitating female pelvic floor disorders and complications arising from child birth, including urine incontinence, stool incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and the complex issues of fistula and tears sustained during delivery. The skilled medical team also addressed various congenital genital tract abnormalities, offering tailored solutions that promised to significantly improve the quality of life for their patients.
In this camp, a remarkable 45 women received life-changing surgeries. The youngest patient was an 8-year-old who was born with urine incontinence resulting from an abnormal connection of one of her ureters with the vagina, while the oldest was a resilient 67-year-old who had suffered from urine incontinence due to a fistula for a very long time. A cornerstone of this project is its commitment to holistic patient support; all patients receive free specialized surgeries, feeding and transport to and from the hospital ensuring they can focus entirely on their recovery without financial burden.
This successful camp at MUST builds on the team’s ongoing efforts to reach women in need across Uganda. Their diligent work earlier in the year included a camp in March 2025 at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, where 18 women received free surgeries. The team also extended their services to Buyinja Namayingo Health Centre IV, demonstrating their commitment to reaching underserved communities. More women will receive free surgeries in the camps scheduled at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in July, Nakaseke General Hospital in August, Bwindi Community Hospital in October, and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in December all sponsored by the Else Kroner Foundation.
Currently, the tireless team is continuing their vital work, holding a camp at Ishaka Adventist Hospital. The impact of these initiatives is meticulously tracked by Josephine Asiimwe, the project’s dedicated data clerk, whose statistics highlight the growing number of women whose lives are being transformed through these specialized camps. These camps not only help treat women with these debilitating problems, they also help in training fellows and residents in getting advanced surgical skills and care for these women.
Message from the Vice Chancellor
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to Associate Professor Musa Kayondo and his exceptional team of urogynecologists—Dr. Paul Kato, Dr. Brenda Ainomugisha, Dr. Onesimus Byamukama, Dr. Wilson Birungi and Dr. Rogers Kajabwangu—along with their entire medical and support staff.
Your unwavering dedication to reaching out to our communities and conducting these vital urogynecology camps truly holds the MUST flag high. You’re not only increasing the visibility of Mbarara University of Science and Technology but, more importantly, you’re directly restoring hope and dignity to countless women across Uganda.
I also want to thank Prof. Verena for her dedication in looking for funding for these camps.
I also want to acknowledge and thank the dedicated local medical staff at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Buyinja Namayingo Health Centre IV, and Ishaka Adventist Hospital. Your invaluable support, coordination, and willingness to provide the necessary theatre space are crucial to the success of these camps. Your collaboration ensures that our team can effectively reach and treat women in need.
Your commitment to service, especially in addressing such sensitive and life-altering conditions, embodies the very core of our university’s mission. Thank you for your tireless efforts and for making such a profound difference in the lives of our people. Well done. “ Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika
These urogynecology camps are a beacon of hope, empowering women to regain dignity, health, and control over their lives, underscoring the profound impact of dedicated medical expertise and compassionate support.
