Kiryandongo health facilities struggle with EMR system
Most health workers acknowledge the system's potential benefits but cite poor network connectivity, inadequate computers, and unstable power as major operational challenges.
Jovia Katusiime (third), the woman MP for Kiryandongo district listening to Bweyale residents. (Photo By Yosam Gucwaki)
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The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system is hindering effective health service delivery in Kiryandongo district's health facilities.
Most health workers acknowledge the system's potential benefits but cite poor network connectivity, inadequate computers, and unstable power as major operational challenges.
"We are constantly subjected to abuse by patients. Some believe we are deliberately delaying their care. They spend a long time in queues.
We lack sufficient computers, yet data must be captured at every stage," stated Rita Atugonza, the Senior Clinical Officer and in-charge of Nyakadoti Health Centre III.
She was one of the medics at the public baraza meeting addressed by leaders and health workers on September 19, 2026.
At the same meeting, different people who sought medical care at the hospital complained about long patient queues, leading to frustration and impacting access to care.
Beatrice Achiro, a resident of Bweyale Town Council, highlighted the significant time patients spend in queues while already unwell.
"We travel from far seeking medical services, but the time spent on data capturing is excessive. This is also deterring many people from accessing health services. The wait in lines is simply too long," Beatrice lamented.
An EMR system is a digital platform designed to store, manage, and provide access to patients' medical information, including history, diagnoses, medication, test results, and treatment plans.
The Ministry of Health introduced the EMR system in 2016 across selected health facilities. Gradually, more health facilities have been enrolled.
This challenge is not isolated to Nyakadoti Health Centre III but is also prevalent in other facilities such as Mpumwe Health Centre II, Apodorwa Health Centre II, and Kiryandongo General Hospital.
Dr Godfrey Kisembo, the Medical Superintendent at Kiryandongo General Hospital, praised the EMR system for its organisational benefits, ease of accountability, and reporting.
"It's easy to track client service, measure work, and monitor medicine consumption," he explained.
However, he emphasised that "whenever there's no power, everything comes to a standstill."
Dr Kisembo urged stakeholders to ensure stable internet, reliable power, and adequate computers.
Language Barrier
Another significant issue identified is the language barrier between patients and health workers, prompting calls for translators in some health facilities.
Alice Anyango, of Nyakadoti cell in Bweyale Town Council, stated that the lack of clear communication due to language differences is hindering patients from receiving appropriate medication.
"Some health workers do not understand the local language, and sometimes they don't comprehend what patients are explaining to them," she said, urging health workers to be more attentive to patients to better understand their needs.
Nyakadoti Health Centre III, which serves approximately 40,000 people, including refugees, faces numerous challenges, including inadequate space leading to congestion.
"Since we lack an admission ward, we refer patients to Panyadoli Health IV and Kiryandongo General Hospital, which is costly for the patient," said Senior Clinical Officer Atugonza.
She added that patients sometimes avoid the facility due to concerns about compromised privacy caused by insufficient space.
The facility also lacks a dedicated maternity ward. Mothers are often squeezed into one room. According to Atugonza, while mothers should be monitored for about 24 hours after delivery, this is impossible due to the limited space.
"The current space can accommodate only two mothers. We are forced to discharge them prematurely to create space for others," she explained, noting that they receive 90 mothers a month, with 4 to 7 deliveries daily.
During the baraza, Chief Administrative Officer Anselem Kyaligonza assured the community that the facility would receive a maternity ward estimated at sh800M and a sh20m incinerator.
He also tasked the Bweyale Town Council leadership with identifying land for the facility's expansion.
MP Katusiime spent the week touring various health facilities in the district with the Chief Administrative Officer, RDC, and both political and technical teams to assess the challenges and also provide solutions.
She promised to compile a report on the issues and present it to Parliament for action.
She also cautioned health workers against malpractice, including extortion, misconduct, patient mistreatment, and absenteeism.
Additionally, she donated mama kits and other medical supplies to several health centres.