Mulago Hospital limits attendant numbers in wards to curb congestion, boost safety

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Kampala city-based Mulago National Referral Hospital has announced a strict “One Patient, One Attendant” policy to streamline care, enhance security and reduce hospital-acquired infections. The move, effective this month, restricts each patient to a single caregiver, with exceptions granted only after case-by-case review.

During an address to the media on July 22, 2025, hospital executive director Dr Rosemary Byanyima emphasised the policy’s urgency, citing overcrowded wards and rising security risks.

“This is not about inconvenience but about creating a safer, healthier environment for patients and staff,” she said.

“Too many attendants in wards compromise privacy, increase infection risks, and allow unauthorised individuals to exploit vulnerable patients.”

Byanyima shared a personal experience: “While caring for my father in a shared room, I enforced a one-attendant rule. The neighbouring patient’s family, however, had multiple attendants, creating chaos during critical moments like moving patients or administering care.”

Key measures under the policy

1. Attendant cards: Caregivers must obtain a special card from Mulago’s Emergency Ward (Upper Level Three) or Lower Mulago, submitting a valid ID (National ID, passport, or driving permit) as collateral. The cards, embedded with security features, aim to curb theft and unauthorised access.
2. Exceptions: Patients requiring additional support, such as those with severe disabilities or critical conditions, will be reviewed individually.
3. Infection control: Reducing foot traffic is expected to lower the spread of hospital-acquired infections, a leading concern in crowded wards.

Security and privacy concerns

Byanyima decried rampant thefts linked to unregulated visitor numbers.

“Unauthorised people often pose as attendants to steal from patients or staff. This policy will tighten security and protect everyone’s safety,” she said.

Overcrowding, according to Byanyima, often leads to breaches of confidentiality and discomfort during medical procedures.

Public reaction and implementation

While some families may find the rules challenging, the hospital has pledged transparency. Notices in local languages will be displayed, and staff will guide visitors through the new system.

“We are balancing empathy with necessity,” Byanyima said, adding: “Our goal is to save lives, not complicate them.”