By Eddie Ssejjoba

After sharing a bed with rats and cockroaches and feeling the plight the people of Masaka, an American student has donated over $70,000 (sh120m) for construction of a health center.

Stephanie Vandyke, of Albany Medical College in the US, made the donation through her Ugandan friend, John Kalule.

Stephanie, who experienced the discomfort in 2000 when she first visited Masaka district, said the clinic would be built in Ddegeya village, Kisekka sub-county.

She said this on Monday at Engeye health centre where with 11 friends, they offered free medical services to residents.

Besides basic medical care, the centre will also offer free mosquito nets and charge sh1,000 for any medication given.