MASINDI — Kinyara Sugar Limited has commissioned a modern maternity unit at Kinyara Health Centre III in Masindi District, a major investment expected to transform maternal and emergency obstetric healthcare for thousands of families in the district and neighbouring areas.
The state-of-the-art facility, valued at more than Shs600 million, was constructed by the Sarrai Group of Companies in honour and memory of Sarjit Kaur Rai, the mother of the Group’s Chairman.
The new maternity unit features a fully equipped operating theatre, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), post-operative admission ward, doctors’ consultation room, procedure room, changing facilities for medical staff, reception area and modern sanitation facilities.
Health officials say the new facility fills a critical gap in emergency maternal healthcare, particularly for expectant mothers requiring life-saving Caesarean section services.
Improving maternal healthcare
Speaking during the commissioning, Dr Enock Mbayo, the Officer-in-Charge of Kinyara Health Centre III, said the absence of a surgical theatre had previously discouraged many mothers from delivering at the facility despite attending antenatal care.
“We received more than 1,000 mothers for antenatal care in the previous quarter, but only 63 deliveries were conducted,” Dr Mbayo said.
“Many mothers attended antenatal clinics but chose to deliver elsewhere because we lacked a theatre capable of handling emergency Caesarean sections. With this new facility, we expect more mothers to confidently deliver here, knowing they can receive comprehensive maternity services without being referred.”
Investment beyond sugar production
According to Mr Moses Kabira, Human Resource Manager at Kinyara Sugar Limited, the company continues to invest in healthcare, education and other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of both employees and surrounding communities.
“The company remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve the welfare of our staff and neighbouring communities through sustainable investments in health, education and community development,” Kabira said.
District hails milestone
Representing the Masindi District Health Officer, Assistant District Health Officer Patrick Baguma said the new maternity unit brings quality maternal healthcare services closer to the people.
“The health workers serving here are the same professionals who work at Masindi Hospital. The standard of care offered here is equally high,” Baguma said.
He urged residents to fully utilise the facility and pledged continued district support through supervision and provision of medical equipment as authorities pursue the upgrade of Kinyara Health Centre III to Health Centre IV status.
Baguma also encouraged health workers to prioritise normal deliveries whenever medically appropriate, reserving Caesarean sections for cases where they are clinically necessary.
Sarrai Group pledges continued support
Kinyara Sugar Limited Chief Executive Officer Ravi Ramalingam said the maternity unit reflects the Sarrai Group’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates.
“This facility is our contribution to the people of Masindi in memory of Sarjit Kaur Rai. We remain committed to supporting this health centre, and our long-term vision is to see it grow into a fully-fledged hospital,” Ramalingam said.
He noted that the facility will benefit both employees of Kinyara Sugar Limited and residents of the surrounding communities.
Community leaders applaud initiative
Kabango Town Council LCIII Chairperson Richard Oyomtho described the maternity unit as a life-changing investment that will save lives by improving access to emergency surgical and maternal healthcare.
“I know the long journeys many families have had to make to Masindi or even Kampala for basic surgical procedures. I know mothers who feared delivering in facilities without adequate emergency support. I know families that have lost loved ones simply because timely and affordable surgery was out of reach. Today, I can confidently say that this story begins to change,” Oyomtho said.
He praised Kinyara Sugar Limited for demonstrating a commitment that extends beyond commercial success.
“In an era where corporate profits often take precedence, Kinyara Sugar Limited has shown that it values saving lives, strengthening community healthcare and investing in the wellbeing of the people whose labour and agricultural produce sustain the factory. This is a sustainable partnership between business and the community,” he added.
Leaders call for greater utilisation
Bujenje County Member of Parliament Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha said Kinyara Health Centre already attracts patients from neighbouring districts because of its quality services, but urged residents of Masindi to make greater use of the facility.
“Many people continue to suffer silently in our villages even when quality healthcare services are available here. Too often, patients only seek treatment after their conditions have become severe,” he said.
Masindi District Chairperson Patrick Wobusobozi, who presided over the commissioning ceremony, commended Kinyara Sugar Limited and the Sarrai Group for their continued investment in community development.
“We are grateful for this modern maternity unit and the many other community support programmes implemented by Kinyara Sugar Limited. Your contribution to healthcare, agriculture, business and community development is highly commendable,” Wobusobozi said.
He pledged continued collaboration between the district leadership and the facility’s management to further improve healthcare services and support the planned elevation of Kinyara Health Centre III to Health Centre IV.
The commissioning of the new maternity unit marks a significant milestone in strengthening maternal and child healthcare in Masindi District, with leaders expressing optimism that the facility will help reduce maternal and neonatal complications while improving access to quality healthcare services across the region.
