Bugando records first successful kidney transplant

MWANZA: BUGANDO Zonal Referral Hospital has successfully conducted its first kidney transplant, marking a major milestone in expanding specialised medical services in the Lake Zone and reducing reliance on treatment abroad.

The breakthrough offers new hope to patients with kidney complications, as it brings life-saving transplant services closer to home and is expected to ease the burden of costs and time-consuming dialysis treatment.

The first beneficiary, Heavenlight Mauki, has since been discharged after undergoing the surgery 14 days ago, expressing relief at regaining normal life after months of intensive treatment. Mr Mauki, a 40-yearold Buhongwa Street Executive Officer in Nyamagana District, said he had been on dialysis three times a week since being diagnosed with kidney complications in August 2023.

Each session cost 200,000/-, amounting to 600,000/- weekly, though he was supported by health insurance. He described the treatment as physically demanding and disruptive to his daily routine.

“I spent about four hours on the dialysis machine and sometimes had to stop when my blood pressure dropped,” he stated.

He noted that the condition affected his work performance due to frequent absence and body weakness. Mr Mauki said the transplant has restored his quality of life, including the ability to eat foods he had long been restricted from, such as bananas, potatoes, red meat and vegetables.

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“What hurt me most was being restricted from eating bananas. That is what I asked for immediately after leaving the theatre,” he said.

A kidney specialist at Bugando, Dr Said Kanenda, confirmed the success of the operation, noting that the patient is now free from dialysis. He said the condition was largely linked to prolonged high blood pressure that had not been effectively managed. Dr Kanenda explained that transplant patients can resume a normal diet but must adhere strictly to medication to regulate body immunity.

“At the time of transplant, the immune system is suppressed to allow the new organ to function. Otherwise, the body may reject the kidney,” he explained.

He added that treatment for high blood pressure remains lifelong and the patient will continue attending monthly clinic reviews. Dr Kanenda also encouraged the public to enrol in health insurance schemes, noting that kidney transplant procedures cost between 35m/- and 43m/-, depending on donor compatibility