The newly renovated Stanfield Pediatric Ward at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, has been officially opened, showcasing a striking exterior and interior transformation. The ward now features a modernized, multi-exit clinical facility with a vibrant, sunlit sanctuary designed to uplift sick children and medical staff. The interior walls are adorned with warm, cheerful color palettes and painted murals of soaring birds, lush mountains, and smiling Ugandan children, supplied by Kansai Plascon.
The renovation, which took two years to complete, was spearheaded by Grow in Hope, a faith-based organization, alongside corporate partners such as Kansai Plascon Uganda and local contractors Dellwall International. The project addressed long-standing clinical vulnerabilities across the pediatric department, including the replacement of mobile oxygen cylinders with piped oxygen ports installed at every single bed. Modern nursing counters, expanded doctors’ workstations, upgraded sanitation blocks, and dedicated staff decontamination showers provide a dignifying, functional environment for pediatric care.
The Stanfield Pediatric Ward manages complex pediatric conditions, ranging from malaria and liver disease to highly contagious viral threats like measles, chickenpox, Mpox, tuberculosis, Ebola, and Marburg. According to Dr. Lucy Amaniyo Mukiibi, Deputy In-Charge of Stanfield Ward, the ward previously had a makeshift segregation where children with infectious conditions shared washrooms, corridors, and feeding spaces with general patients. The new design includes separate isolation rooms with dedicated washrooms for highly contagious conditions, improving infection prevention and containing outbreaks.
A dedicated High Dependency Unit (HDU) was established directly adjacent to the nurses’ and doctors’ stations to enable continuous monitoring of critically ill children. The transformation reflects a deep commitment to human dignity and faith-driven service. Amanda Wolf, Executive Director of Grow in Hope Uganda, emphasized that the ward’s aesthetics serve a spiritual and therapeutic purpose, highlighting the value and dignity of each child.
The renovation was made possible through the support of various partners and donors. Amanda Wolf recalled a pivotal moment on July 22 when project funds were completely exhausted, but an unsolicited donor contact reached out to finance the remaining work within two days. Aaron Wolf, co-leader of the project, added that the building’s real beauty will come alive when the nurses and doctors return encouraged to an environment that helps them do their difficult job just a little bit better.
The renovated Stanfield Pediatric Ward sets a new national standard for pediatric care in Uganda. Prof. Philippa Musoke, Board Chairperson of Mulago National Referral Hospital, noted that a beautiful environment can lift one’s mood and encourage healthcare workers to provide better care. Dr. Richard Mugahi, Assistant Commissioner for Child and Maternal Health, representing the Ministry of Health, affirmed that the facility ensures that infectious patients are isolated, reducing the risk of infection transmission.
The Stanfield Pediatric Ward was named after Dr. Stanfield, a devout Christian who cherished God’s creation, especially Uganda’s mountains, birds, and natural scenery. His passions directly inspired the ward’s artwork and green decorative accents. The renovated ward stands as a lasting monument to compassionate care for Uganda’s children, grounded in Micah 6:8— “To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God”.
Key points
- The UGX 800 million renovation of the Stanfield Pediatric Ward was officially commissioned by Mulago National Referral Hospital on September 17, 2026.
- The ward’s design and infrastructure improvements aim to enhance infection prevention and control measures.
- The renovation was a collaborative effort between Grow in Hope, corporate partners, and local contractors.
