Karoli Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale

Karoli Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale is a testament to the dedication and selflessness of the Franciscan Sisters from Breda in the Netherlands. When they arrived in Kabale Diocese in 1963, they found a region in dire need of healthcare services. Malaria and other tropical diseases were rampant, and the existing Dispensary was ill-equipped to meet the needs of the population. The sisters took it upon themselves to transform the Dispensary into a community hospital, and so Nyakibale Hospital was born. Named after Karoli Lwanga, the Head of the 22 Catholic Uganda martyrs who were later canonized in 1964, Nyakibale Hospital started with only 85 beds but conducted an impressive 350 deliveries in its first year. Over the last 53 years, the Hospital has grown and evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of its catchment population. Today, it is the Referral Hospital for Rukungiri District and serves over 40,000 patients per year. At Nyakibale Hospital, their mission is to provide affordable, quality, and holistic healthcare services based on the imitation of Christ and his deeds, as inspired by Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick”. The Hospital’s holistic approach to healthcare focuses not just on treating physical ailments but also on addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of patients. Nyakibale Hospital owes much of its success to its strategic partnerships with various organizations. The Franciscan Sisters of Breda, the Hospital founders based in the Netherlands, have been unwavering in their support, making numerous and large projects possible. The Friends of Nyakibale (FON), Netherlands, and Mission Direct, UK, have also been long-time partners, supporting initiatives such as the development of neonatal care facilities and services. Additionally, the Global Emergency Care Collaborative (GECC) based in the USA, played a vital role in setting up and developing the emergency department, while the African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) donated new operating theaters and assisted in equipping them.