Dr. Kato's Mobile Clinic: Healing Mubende's Remote Villages
How motorcycle medicine is saving lives in Uganda's breadbasket
The sun hasn't risen over Mubende's rolling hills when Dr. Richard Kato loads his motorcycle with medical supplies. His "hospital on wheels" serves villages where the nearest health center is 30km of impassable roads.
The Crisis in Mubende
"Last year, we lost 9 mothers in childbirth just in Kiganda sub-county," explains Dr. Kato, adjusting his helmet. "Most deaths were from preventable causes - hemorrhage, infection, malaria."
Kuza Africa's medical program began addressing:
- No prenatal care in 60% of villages
- 3-hour average journey to health centers
- Traditional birth attendants with no training
The Mobile Clinic Revolution
Dr. Kato's modified motorcycle carries:
- Portable ultrasound machine
- Emergency delivery kit
- Malaria rapid tests
- COVID-19 vaccines
- Solar-powered fridge for medicines
"Last month, I delivered twins in a banana plantation," he laughs. "Named them 'Kuza' and 'Africa' - the mother's idea!"
Impact by Numbers
In 2023 alone:
- 1,287 antenatal visits conducted
- 63 safe deliveries assisted
- 3,200 children vaccinated
- 17 traditional birth attendants trained
Village Health Team member Nalongo remarks: "Before Kuza, we used to wrap stillborns in banana leaves. Now we have hope."
The mobile clinic saved my son when malaria took him at midnight. They came when even the hospital had given up.
— Zahara Namutebi, Mother from Mubende
5 mobile clinics serving Mubende district
78% reduction in maternal deaths in served villages
1,200+ lives saved since 2021
30 community health workers trained
