Mulago Becomes First Public Hospital in Uganda to Receive ISO Certification

Mulago National Referral Hospital has become the first public hospital in Uganda to earn certification from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for excellence in quality management, environmental stewardship, and occupational health and safety.

The hospital received the prestigious Integrated Management Systems (IMS) certification—covering ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018—during an official handover ceremony held at Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) headquarters in Bweyogerere on Wednesday.

Dr. Rosemary Kusaba Byanyima, Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, described the achievement as a landmark moment for the institution. She said it reflects the hospital’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare, ensuring staff and patient safety, and promoting sustainable practices.

Eng. James Kasigwa, Executive Director of UNBS, noted that the certification demonstrates Mulago’s dedication to operational excellence and continuous improvement. “It aligns with Uganda’s national development priorities, fostering a culture of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility that will benefit patients, staff, and the broader community,” he said.

ISO 9001:2015 focuses on quality management, ensuring organizations consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. Implementation requires effective processes and trained staff to deliver services reliably and efficiently. 

ISO 14001:2015 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems, providing a framework for designing and implementing policies to minimize environmental impact, comply with legal requirements, and continuously improve environmental performance. 

ISO 45001:2018 addresses occupational health and safety management, helping organizations systematically identify workplace hazards, implement risk control measures, and reduce injuries, illnesses, and accidents.

The ISO certifications position Mulago National Referral Hospital as a trailblazer among Uganda’s public health institutions, signaling a new era of accountability, safety, and sustainable healthcare delivery.