Uganda has strengthened its maternal and child healthcare services with the launch of the ‘Oxygen for Life’ (Oxygen as a Service) project at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, a high-volume urban referral facility handling some of the country’s most complex obstetric and pediatric cases.
The initiative was officially launched today, 20th February 2026, by Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo alongside his wife, Anna Maria Criscione-Arezzo, and was presided over by Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, whose presence highlighted the strengthening partnership between Rotary and the Government of Uganda in advancing the country’s health systems.
Spearheaded by Rotary International District 9214, the project will provide oxygen concentrators, cylinders, and ventilators to enhance emergency response and critical care services.
The project will also extend support to four surrounding health centre IVs, helping to reduce congestion from maternal and child referrals to Kawempe Hospital, where high patient volumes have placed sustained pressure on oxygen supply systems, an essential component for managing complicated deliveries, newborn resuscitation, and pediatric emergencies.
As a key regional referral hospital serving Kampala and surrounding districts, Kawempe has experienced rising patient volumes driven by rapid urban population growth therefore, this intervention comes at a critical time for the hospital, which records an average of 60 deliveries daily, manages more than 550 women under care at any given time, and treats over 250 children requiring specialized medical support.
Health officials say the reliable oxygen supply will now significantly improve the management of respiratory distress in newborns, childbirth complications, and pediatric emergencies addressing key contributors to preventable deaths.
Speaking at the ceremony, Arezzo described the project as transformative for frontline healthcare delivery.
“This ‘Oxygen for Life’ project will enable Kawempe Hospital to respond more efficiently to emergencies, providing reliable oxygen support for newborns, mothers in labor, and critically ill children significantly improving survival outcomes,” the Rotary International President said.
During his visit, Arezzo will also engage youth leaders, participate in community health camps, and recognize over 5,000 Rotarians contributing to service projects across the country.
Additionally, Minister Aceng emphasized that oxygen is a fundamental component of emergency obstetric and neonatal care and remains central to Uganda’s efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality.
“This intervention strengthens our frontline health services, reduces preventable deaths, and reinforces government’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare for all Ugandans,” she stated.
The Minister noted that the partnership reflects the government’s strategy of working with development partners to close infrastructure and equipment gaps in high-burden facilities.
The enhanced oxygen capacity is expected to stabilize critical patients more quickly, improve treatment outcomes, and ease pressure on the referral system.
This Oxygen for Life project builds on Rotary’s long-standing footprint in Uganda, including support for polio eradication campaigns, strengthening blood banking services at Nakasero Blood Bank, improving cancer care at Nsambya Hospital, and advancing peace building initiatives at the Rotary Peace Center hosted by Makerere University.
Officials described the initiative as a powerful example of public–private collaboration accelerating Uganda’s health infrastructure development.
By combining government leadership with Rotary’s global support, the project strengthens the healthcare system’s resilience and advances sustainable progress in maternal and child health, ensuring that no mother or child is ever denied lifesaving oxygen when it matters most.
