Mulago Hospital receives global recognition for quality management systems

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Mulago National Referral Hospital has received certification from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for meeting the required standards that ensure the safety and quality of services provided to both patients and medical practitioners.

The hospital obtained integrated management systems certification, specifically ISO 9001 for quality management systems, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety.

Eng. James Kasigwa, the executive director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, handed over the certificates to the executive director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, Dr Rosemary Byanyima, at the UNBS head offices in Kampala on Wednesday, November 25, 2025.

The executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Eng. James N. Kasigwa (left) hands over the Integrated Management System US ISO award the Executive director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, Dr Rosemary Byanyima, at UNBS offices in Bweyogerere on Nov. 26, 2025. (Credit: Ronnie Kijjambu)

Eng. Kasigwa described the achievement as a vital service that builds trust and confidence among patients, the health sector, tourists and the public. He further noted that by becoming a risk-based and evidence-based decision-making institution, Mulago has embarked on a path of continuous improvement.

“With the hospital acquiring such a landmark, the country is going to have a healthy population, which will grow the economy tenfold,” he said.

Patricia Bageine Ejalu, the deputy executive director for standards at UNBS, said Mulago is the first national medical services institution to receive management systems certification. She noted that other certified institutions so far are mainly from the education sector.

She commended Mulago’s leadership and urged the remaining regional referral hospitals to follow suit in order to strengthen health service delivery.

Kasigwa added that UNBS does not only certify products, but also systems and processes, to build stronger enterprises in both the public and private sectors.

“UNBS has quality management certification schemes, such as the ISO 9001, which gives any enterprise, whether in the private sector or public sector, the assurance that there is consistency in service delivery and they should optimise, reduce waste and become better and more competitive,” he said.

About the three ISOs

ISO 9001 is the international standard for a Quality Management System (QMS). It helps organisations consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements while improving efficiency, processes and customer satisfaction. It is the most widely used standard in the ISO 9000 family.

ISO 14001 provides a framework for implementing an effective Environmental Management System (EMS), helping organisations manage environmental impact, comply with laws, and improve sustainability.

ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It provides a framework for creating safer workplaces by reducing risks, preventing injuries, and ensuring legal compliance.

Mulago Hospital executive director speaks

Dr Rosemary Byanyima, the executive director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, said the certification has elevated the hospital to international standards and pledged continued improvement in occupational health and quality management.

“We have arranged our systems to meet international standards, and to the international community travelling to Uganda, be assured of quality care because there is a big hospital that is ISO certified on an integrated management system,” Dr Byanyima said.

She explained that the certification follows a ten-year journey in which the hospital repeatedly sought ISO approval. She said the facility initially applied for support, but progress was interrupted by COVID-19 and renovation works, forcing the team to reapply.

In 2024, Mulago underwent a stage one assessment, during which several non-conformities were identified and subsequently addressed. This year, the hospital passed the stage two assessment after resolving the remaining issues, leading to the final award of the integrated management system certification.

Jane Nakibuuka, the chairperson of the quality assurance committee at Mulago, said the hospital pursued ISO certification to drive innovation and improve overall service delivery.