The Ministry of Health has raised concern over the increasing number of Caesarean section (C-section) deliveries in parts of Uganda, particularly in urban centres and private health facilities.
The New health sector data indicates that while Uganda’s national C-section rate has remained within the World Health Organization recommended range of 5–15 per cent over the past five financial years, significant regional disparities persist.
According to the data, Kampala records the highest rate at 34 per cent, more than double the recommended threshold, raising questions over possible overuse of the procedure in urban settings.
Health officials warned that the growing gap between urban and rural areas reflects unequal access to maternal health services, with rural communities still facing limited access to safe surgical delivery when medically required.
They noted that while C-sections remain a life-saving intervention, unnecessary procedures may expose mothers to avoidable risks and strain already limited health resources.
The ministry has called for further investigation into the drivers of the rising rates and urged health facilities to adhere strictly to medical guidelines when recommending surgical deliveries.