Government and private stakeholders have been called upon to urgently address the growing incidence of preterm births in Uganda, with recent statistics revealing that more than 200,000 babies are born prematurely each year.
Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, often results in infants with low birth weight and underdeveloped organs, including the lungs, brain, and liver. Prematurity remains the second leading cause of neonatal death in Uganda, following birth asphyxia.
The Founder of Maama Tulia Ministries, Elizabeth Turaha, emphasized the critical nature of the issue and the need for collaborative action.
"In Uganda, over 200,000 babies are born preterm every year, and prematurity is the second leading cause of neonatal death after birth asphyxia. We have seen that preterm babies are still growing, so we need to do a lot. We need everyone on board to come and do this together," she said.
Currently, Maama Tulia Ministries is focusing on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a serious condition that can lead to blindness in preterm infants. Ms. Turaha revealed that, in 2025 alone, the organization has screened over 1,500 babies for ROP, with 300 diagnosed with the condition.
The remarks were made during the announcement of a fundraising partnership with SMACK Pirates Association, an alumni group of St. Mary’s College, Kisubi. The initiative, scheduled for Sunday, 23 November 2025, coincides with World Prematurity Day, observed annually on 17 November.
Explaining the causes of preterm birth, Turaha cited multiple risk factors, including preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), maternal age under 18, sickle cell disease, malaria, malnutrition, and infections. She also noted that babies born before 32 weeks, with low birth weight, or requiring prolonged oxygen therapy are at higher risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity.
The Chairman of SMACK Pirates Association, Anyase Ronald Amaza, highlighted the general lack of awareness surrounding prematurity.
"Prematurity is something which is often neglected. Surprisingly, even many doctors and health workers do not know much about it because they do not work in this sphere. If we, the health workers, are not aware, then what about the public? That is why we need more support," he said.
Amaza confirmed that the alumni group will provide sustained support for Maama Tulia Ministries, emphasizing the long-term goal of improving neonatal outcomes in Uganda.
The upcoming fundraising event at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) Sports Grounds, Kansanga, Kampala, will feature a purple ribbon campaign symbolizing solidarity with preterm infants. Attendees will engage in activities connecting fans, teams, and parents, while a dedicated Maama Tulia booth will offer fundraising support, educational resources, and guidance on prematurity. A Neonatal/Child Health Specialist from the Uganda Ministry of Health will also deliver a keynote address on national efforts to combat preterm births.
Maama Tulia Ministries, a non-profit organization, supports vulnerable mothers of premature babies by addressing their physical, economic, spiritual, and emotional needs.
Turaha shared that the organization aims to screen 5,000 babies in 2025, expanding services to hospitals in Central and Western Uganda, including Buera Hospital in Kasese and Chinese Hospital in Naguru.
"We are committed to ensuring that every preterm baby has a chance at a healthy life. Through partnerships, awareness, and screenings, we hope to save more lives and reduce the impact of prematurity in Uganda," Turaha said.