The handling and storage of bodies at Uganda's Mulago National Referral Hospital have come under parliamentary scrutiny. Mbale City Industrial Division MP Karim Masaba raised concerns about mortuary facilities and treatment of deceased persons during a Public Accounts Committee meeting. Masaba called for improvements in the pathology department to ensure dignified handling of the deceased and proper management of mortuary services. The committee was examining queries in the Auditor General's report for the financial year ended June 2025.
Mulago Hospital Executive Director Dr. Rose Byanyima appeared before the committee, stating that the hospital can accommodate up to 150 bodies and operates three emergency entry points. However, earlier reports highlighted pressure on the hospital's mortuary services. In March 2026, senior pathologists reported that the facility conducted at least 10 autopsies daily and received an average of 20 bodies per day. The mortuary has eight refrigerators, but only three were commissioned at the time, with a combined capacity of 60 bodies.
The mortuary has faced questions over alleged illegal charges. In August 2026, Parliament's Health Committee investigated reports that bereaved families were charged up to Shs150,000 to collect bodies. Committee Chairperson Dr. Julius Rude Monday warned that individuals found collecting money would face arrest and prosecution. Hospital officials denied the practice, but investigations established that some families were being charged.
Deputy Inspector General of Government Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe inspected the mortuary in July 2026 and called for increased funding and staffing. Hospital officials reported that the growing workload was stretching available personnel and that plans were underway to establish an additional facility. The latest concerns were raised during a committee meeting chaired by Deputy Chairperson Sarah Lwansasula, as legislators examined accountability issues at the national referral hospital.
The Public Accounts Committee's scrutiny of Mulago Hospital's mortuary services aims to address concerns over the handling and storage of bodies. The committee's examination of the hospital's practices seeks to ensure that the deceased are treated with dignity and that mortuary services are managed efficiently.
In response to the concerns, hospital officials have acknowledged the need for improvements in the pathology department and mortuary services. The hospital's administration has reportedly initiated plans to address the challenges facing the mortuary, including increasing capacity and staffing.
The parliamentary scrutiny of Mulago Hospital's mortuary conditions highlights the need for adequate facilities and resources to manage mortuary services effectively. The concerns raised by legislators and officials underscore the importance of ensuring that the deceased are handled with dignity and respect.
Key points
- Mulago Hospital's mortuary services face scrutiny over handling and storage of bodies.
- Parliament's Public Accounts Committee examines queries in the Auditor General's report for the financial year ended June 2025.
- Hospital officials acknowledge the need for improvements in the pathology department and mortuary services.
