When you or a loved one faces a medical condition that requires an operation, finding a trusted general surgery hospital is the first step toward a successful recovery. For over 120 years, Kabarole Church of Uganda Hospital (KCH) has stood as a beacon of hope and healing in Fort Portal, providing life-saving surgical care to the Tooro region and beyond.
As Uganda’s second-oldest missionary hospital, established in 1903, our General Surgery department combines a century of experience with a compassionate, mission-driven approach. Our goal is to “Improve Life and promote health” by treating the whole person—spirit, body, and soul.
Many patients ask, “What exactly is general surgery?” Despite the name, general surgery is a highly specialized field. It focuses primarily on the abdominal organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and thyroid gland. It also encompasses the treatment of skin, soft tissue, and hernias.
General surgery is essential because it addresses some of the most common and urgent medical conditions, from acute appendicitis to complicated hernias. At Kabarole Hospital, our general surgeons are trained to manage both elective (planned) procedures and emergency cases, ensuring that every patient receives timely and effective intervention.
Kabarole Hospital operates as a Private Not For Profit (PNFP) institution, meaning our priority is the health of our community rather than financial gain. Our surgical department offers a wide range of services designed to address the unique health burdens of Western Uganda.
Our team specializes in managing conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Common procedures include:
Appendectomy: Rapid intervention for acute appendicitis to prevent life-threatening complications.
Hernia Repair: Surgical correction of inguinal and umbilical hernias, which are among the most frequent general surgical procedures performed in the region.
Gallbladder Surgery: Treatment for gallstones and inflammation to restore digestive health.
We understand that not every surgery requires a major operation. Our minor surgery clinic handles:
Tumor and Cyst Removal: Excision of lipomas, sebaceous cysts, and other soft tissue masses.
Wound Management and Debridement: Specialized care for chronic wounds or traumatic injuries to promote faster healing.
Hemorrhoid and Anorectal Care: Effective treatment for common yet painful conditions like fistulas and fissures.
Located in the heart of Fort Portal, we are a critical referral point for trauma cases. Our surgeons provide “Primary surgery in trauma,” managing bone fractures, abscesses, and acute abdominal injuries that require immediate theater intervention.
Surgical excellence is at the heart of our maternal health mission. We perform essential life-saving procedures, including Cesarean sections and management of ectopic pregnancies. Our success in this area is legendary; KCH achieved a documented 75% reduction in institutional maternal mortality through rigorous clinical quality improvement.
Choosing a hospital means trusting the hands and the tools behind the treatment. Kabarole Hospital is committed to maintaining high standards of surgical care through continuous infrastructure and human resource development.
KCH is equipped with a functional Operating Room (Theater) and a dedicated Surgical ICU to monitor patients during the critical post-operative period. We utilize “Modular Operating Theatres” designed to maintain a sterile environment, which is vital for preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSIs).
Our commitment to safety is evidenced by our strict adherence to the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist. Our staff regularly undergoes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training on preoperative management and aseptic techniques to ensure every patient is prepared for surgery with the highest safety protocols in place.
Led by our Medical Superintendent, Dr. Martin Ruhweza, and a dedicated team of medical officers, our surgical department operates under a robust clinical governance structure. Our general surgeons and anesthesia officers are not only technically proficient but are also part of a century-long tradition of missionary care.
To ensure we remain at the cutting edge of medicine, we partner with organizations like the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau (UPMB) and LifeNet International to provide our staff with ongoing mentorship and clinical training.
In a region where specialized healthcare can be difficult to access, Kabarole Hospital offers several distinct advantages:
A Legacy of Trust: Having served the community since 1903, we are an institution built on trust. Many families in Fort Portal have seen three generations born and cared for within our walls.
Affordable PNFP Model: As a Private Not For Profit facility, we strive to make our services accessible to the “disadvantaged and less privileged.” We work with government NGO grants and partners to keep user fees manageable without compromising quality.
Holistic Healing: We believe that medicine alone is not always enough. Our Chaplaincy department works alongside our surgical team to provide spiritual and emotional support, which is essential for a patient’s total recovery.
Proven Safety Records: Our team-based problem-solving approach has saved thousands of lives. Whether it is a routine hernia repair or an emergency C-section, our quality improvement data proves that we prioritize patient safety above all else.
Don’t let a surgical condition prevent you from living your life to the fullest. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, a diagnosed hernia, or a sudden emergency, the experts at Kabarole Church of Uganda Hospital are here to provide the surgical care you deserve.
Our general surgeons are ready to guide you through every step of the process, from your initial consultation and preoperative preparation to your final follow-up.
Take the first step toward health. Visit us at our facility on Kabarole Hill, Fort Portal, or contact our administration at info@kabarolehospital.org to schedule a consultation.
At Kabarole Hospital, we improve life and promote health in spirit, body, and soul.
