Mulago National Referral Hospital Executive Director Dr. Rosemary Byanyima Addresses Organ Harvesting Concerns In Uganda

Despite allegations of illegal organ harvesting, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, assures the public of stringent screening procedures for organ transplants in Ugandan hospitals, aiming to uphold ethical standards in healthcare.

Speaking before MPs on Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, Dr. Byanyima highlighted the thorough testing and screening procedures undertaken for both patients and donors. She credited recent successful renal transplants in December 2023, conducted collaboratively by Ugandan and Indian medical experts, as evidence of the hospital’s commitment to ethical practices.

“We are grateful for the government’s support that enabled our inaugural organ transplant. Currently, we are preparing for more surgeries, conducting extensive screening to ensure compatibility between donors and recipients. Claims of organ theft are unfounded; our protocols ensure such practices are impossible,” stated Dr. Byanyima.

Her remarks follow an incident in November 2022 involving Muhamood Kabanda, who accused Old Kampala Hospital of kidney theft during treatment for injuries sustained in an accident. Investigations by the police and the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council revealed that Kabanda was born with only one kidney, dispelling the allegations of illegal harvesting. The surgical incision cited as evidence of theft was, in fact, made to repair Kabanda’s skull.

In September 2022, Parliament passed the Uganda Human Organ Donation and Transplant Bill, 2021, imposing stringent penalties on hospitals or corporations found guilty of illegal organ harvesting.

Dr. Byanyima also raised concerns about the rising incidence of kidney disease in Uganda, prompting Mulago Hospital to expand dialysis services, which now operate from 4 am to meet increasing demand.

“We operate multiple dialysis sessions daily due to rising cases, despite resource constraints. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects up to 7% of the population and up to 15% among those with HIV or hypertension, placing a significant burden on healthcare resources,” she explained.

A report on global dialysis perspectives highlights Uganda’s struggle with CKD, underscoring the need for enhanced awareness and early detection among the populace.

Dr. Byanyima, appearing on KFM Radio’s Hot Seat in February 2024, stressed that 90% of Ugandans with kidney disease are unaware of their condition until the advanced stages, emphasizing the critical role of early screening and public education.

She urged MPs to allocate funds for specialist training in reconstructive surgery, noting the increasing demand at Mulago despite limited specialized personnel.

“We have a high demand for reconstructive surgery but lack adequate specialists. Training more experts is essential to meet this growing need effectively,” Dr. Byanyima urged.

The ongoing efforts by Mulago Hospital reflect its commitment to addressing healthcare challenges in Uganda while upholding international standards in organ transplant and patient care.