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Catchment area analysis:Swianda Maternity, Nwoya District
Executive Summary
The planned Swianda maternity facility, to be built in the Te Acam parcel, Tangi Ward, Purongo Township Council, is strategically positioned to address a critical gap in healthcare provision in Nwoya District.
Although the district has health centers and a general hospital, the lack of specialized maternity units and the severe overcrowding of existing facilities—such as Anaka General Hospital—underscore the urgent need for this facility.
This report provides a detailed analysis of the catchment area, population structure, and projected birth rates based on the 2024 Census and Housing Survey and current health data.
Demographics of the catchment area
The primary catchment area of Swianda Maternity comprises of Purongo Town Council, Purongo Sub-County, and Got Apwoyo Sub-County. According to preliminary results from the 2024 Ugandan Census, the total population of these areas is approximately 39,000 people.
| Administrative unit | Men | Women | Total | Households |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purongo Town Council | 7.071 | 7.546 | 14.617 | 3.549 |
| Purongo Sub-County | 6.721 | 7.473 | 14.194 | 3.326 |
| Got Apwoyo Sub-County | 5.197 | 5.103 | 10.300 | 2.485 |
| Total catchment area | 18.989 | 20.122 | 39.111 | 9.360 |
Location Note:
The Te Acam plot is located in Tangi Ward, Purongo Municipal Council. Tangi Ward itself has a population of approximately 2,940 people (1,455 men and 1,485 women) and represents the immediate local community that will directly benefit from the facility.
Birth statistics and forecasts
Based on Uganda's birth rate (approximately 34.44 births per 1,000 inhabitants in 2024), the estimated demand for maternity services is as follows:
| Period | Estimated Births |
|---|---|
| Daily | 3,7 |
| Weekly | 25,8 |
| Monthly | 112,3 |
| Yearly | 1,347 |
These estimates are conservative, as northern Uganda – particularly the Nwoya district – often has higher fertility rates. The average number of children per woman there is often over 5.0.
Healthcare supply gap and its justification
The establishment of Swianda Maternity is justified by several critical factors:
- Overburdening of Anaka General Hospital
As the only general hospital in the district, it handles approximately 1,000 births per quarter (about 11 per day). Reports indicate that women sometimes have to give birth on the floor due to lack of space. - Distance and Accessibility
Women from Got Apwoyo and parts of Purongo often have long journeys to Anaka. A facility in Purongo would significantly improve accessibility. - Lack of Specialized Birthing Centers
Existing health centers (e.g, HC III) are overburdened and do not specialize in obstetrics. - High Risks for Mothers and Newborns
With a neonatal mortality rate of 19 per 1,000 live births, local, high-quality care is crucial to reducing preventable deaths.
Conclusion
The data shows that Swianda Maternity will serve a population of over 39,000 people, with approximately 1,347 births per year in the catchment area.
By providing specialized maternity services in the Te Acam parcel, the facility will significantly reduce the burden on Anaka General Hospital and ensure vital care for women and children in Purongo and Got Apwoyo.