Mulago Specialised Women’s and Neonatal Hospital is preparing to engage in egg donation, offering hope to couples unable to conceive naturally.
The announcement was made by Dr Sam Ononge, acting executive director of the hospital, during his appearance before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, which was reviewing the 2024/25 Auditor General’s report.
Opened in January 2021, the hospital has gradually expanded its services to include unique fertility treatments.
Dr Ononge explained that egg donation requires mutual consent between two couples and a willing donor, who must appear in person at the hospital.
“We render the services at no cost,” he said, emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to safe and accessible fertility care.
The process, Dr Ononge added, is medically intensive. Donors undergo preparatory medication, supervision, and theatre procedures to ensure safe egg retrieval.
Vice Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Gorreth Namugga, raised concerns about unregulated egg sales circulating on social media.
“Some clinics advertise eggs for sale at Shs800,000 per egg, and people are claiming they can sell as many as they want. We need to sensitize the public about the legal and medical framework,” she said.
Hon. Modoi Isaac of Lutseshe County emphasized that donation must follow legally recognized medical protocols.
“Let’s agree that egg donation has to go through a regulated legal framework because many Ugandans are willing to donate their eggs,” he said.
Currently, South Africa leads Africa in regulated egg donation and IVF treatment, offering high-quality, anonymous services with a diverse donor pool.
Nigeria and Kenya follow closely, providing lessons in ethical and safe fertility care for Uganda to consider.
