EACOP officials conducted an inspection of the new maternal and childcare wing under construction at Mbarara Health Centre II in Hoima District, while also distributing 200 Mama kits to address maternal health challenges in the region. The initiative, part of EACOP’s Socio-Economic Investment Pillar, aims to improve healthcare access for over 10,000 people across 16 villages in Kitoba Sub-County. The facility, which has struggled to meet demand due to a growing population and limited infrastructure, will be upgraded to Health Centre III status through the partnership with Hoima District local government. EACOP Managing Director Guillaume Dulout emphasized the project’s transformative potential, stating it would “open doors to safer motherhood” by bringing critical services closer to communities previously hindered by distance and inadequate resources.
Mbarara Health Centre II has long served as a regional healthcare hub but faced severe strain from its catchment area’s expansion. With the nearest Health Centre III over 20 kilometers away—accessible only via poorly maintained roads—residents encountered significant barriers to specialized maternal care. The new wing, built to Ministry of Health standards, is designed to alleviate this crisis by offering surgical and maternal services locally. EACOP’s HR and Corporate Affairs Director, Eileen Baguma, highlighted the 200 Mama kits as a tangible expression of the company’s commitment, noting each kit contains essential items like gauze, surgical blades, and baby blankets. The donation originated from the 2026 1443 Pipeline Challenge, where employees raised funds by walking or running 100 kilometers each, aligning personal fitness goals with social impact.
During the site inspection, Dulout underscored the project’s role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which targets a 2030 maternal mortality reduction. He noted that the facility’s upgrades would “transform healthcare outcomes” for thousands of families. Aweko Grace, the health centre’s in-charge, described the intervention as a “lifeline” that restored dignity to maternal care services. The Mama kits, distributed during the handover ceremony, were part of an International Women’s Day campaign titled “Give to Gain,” which evolved into a company-wide initiative. Baguma reiterated that the donation reflected a commitment to “safety for mothers, healthy starts for newborns, and stronger communities.”
The project marks a significant step in addressing systemic healthcare disparities in Hoima District, where maternal mortality rates remain a pressing concern. By combining infrastructure development with direct aid, EACOP’s efforts aim to create a sustainable model for community health improvement. The new wing, expected to be operational soon, will not only ease the burden on existing facilities but also serve as a blueprint for future socio-economic investments. Local leaders and health workers have welcomed the initiative, citing its potential to catalyze broader improvements in public health infrastructure across the region.