KCCA OPENS BREASTFEEDING FACILITY AT CITY HALL

For many working mothers, the arrival of a baby brings a new balancing act, meeting deadlines while ensuring the little one gets the best start in life.

At Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), that balancing act is getting a little easier.

The Authority has opened a dedicated breastfeeding room at City Hall, giving nursing mothers a safe, clean and private space to breastfeed or express milk while at work.

The facility was launched on Wednesday as Uganda joins the rest of the world in marking August as Breastfeeding Month, a period dedicated to promoting breastfeeding and creating supportive environments for mothers and babies.

KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki described the facility as more than a fulfilment of a legal requirement, saying it reflects the Authority's commitment to putting its people at the heart of its work.

“This is more than a legal obligation. It is a demonstration of our people-centred approach,” Buzeki said.

She said employees are more motivated and productive when they know that their families and children are cared for.

“Our people are motivated to bring out their best when they know that their families are supported,” she said.

Buzeki applauded the partners Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) who supported KCCA in establishing and equipping the facility, saying the initiative demonstrates the value of partnerships in improving the welfare of employees.

She said the facility would not have been possible without the strong working relationship between KCCA and its partners.

“If it were not for the good working relationship we have with our partners, we would not have launched this baby-friendly room,” she said.

Buzeki also challenged partners to take the initiative beyond City Hall by establishing similar facilities at division offices, markets and other workplaces where mothers spend their working days.

She said the Authority should continue looking for practical ways of making Kampala a city where women can work and care for their children without unnecessary barriers.

KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi said the new room carries a bigger message about the kind of workplace KCCA wants to build.

He commended Buzeki and the partners for supporting the initiative, saying mothers can give their best when they are confident that their children are safe.

“Women perform best if the safety of their children is guaranteed,” Kigenyi said.

He said the breastfeeding room gives mothers an opportunity to provide their children with safe and clean breast milk while continuing with their responsibilities at work.

Kigenyi described the room as a support structure that will contribute to raising healthier children who can grow into productive citizens of Kampala.

Dr. Sarah Zalwango, KCCA Director of Public Health and Environment, said KCCA was joining other institutions that have created breastfeeding spaces as part of efforts to make workplaces more comfortable for mothers.

She noted that breastfeeding facilities are also available at some KCCA-managed spaces, including Busega Market and Wandegeya Market.

The initiative is expected to provide mothers with greater flexibility and dignity as they continue to meet their professional responsibilities.

Laura Ahumuza Turinawe of the Ministry of Health expressed excitement over the new facility, saying it was encouraging to see an institution such as KCCA create a dedicated space for breastfeeding mothers.

She said workplaces have an important role to play in supporting mothers to continue breastfeeding while pursuing their careers.

Musa Mutyaba from GAIN said partnerships with institutions such as KCCA are important in making breastfeeding support a reality for working mothers.

He said GAIN works with partners, organisations and companies to establish breastfeeding corners within workplaces.

The goal, he said, is to give working mothers a conducive environment in which they can breastfeed their children while maintaining their productivity and good nutrition.

Musa thanked KCCA for embracing the initiative and allowing partners to work with the Directorate of Public Health and Environment to establish and fully equip the room.

Ssenyondo Muzafalu, a nutrition officer at UNICEF, also welcomed the initiative, noting the importance of creating supportive environments for mothers and children.

For a mother rushing between work and the needs of a young child, the room offers something simple but powerful a place to pause, feed her baby and return to work with peace of mind.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali 
Communication and Media Relations Officer