Masindi community mobilisation gives birth to health centre

MASINDI - Sister Grace Mary Akiror, the deputy head of the Resident District Commissioners' (RDCs') secretariat, has commended efforts by residents of Kigulya division in Masindi Municipality for constructing a health centre.

Akiror, who is in Bunyoro sub-region to assess service delivery in different districts and municipalities, asked the district leaders to ensure that all modalities are finalised so that government can take up the facility.

On Tuesday (June 24), Akiror inspected several government projects in Masindi district and later inspected  Kigulya health centre and visited successful Emyooga and Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries.

According to Wilfred Kutegeka, the LCIII chairperson Kigulya division, the residents embarked on the project in 2019 after a citizen donated land measuring 1.5 acres.

"We looked for our own contractor and started the work. We have so far used sh30m up to the roof, but we are now stuck," said Kutegeka, adding, "Completing the structure requires another sh50m. My appeal to government is to consider giving us a fully fledged health centre III." 

Sister Akiror advised the LCIII chairperson to write to the RDC's office, who should in turn write to the Permanent Secretary, President's office and copy to her and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, for proper follow-up.

Darius Nandinda, the Resident District Commissioner Masindi, pledged to support the leadership to expedite the process.

It's over 15 years since Kigulya division in Masindi municipality came into force, but it has never got any health centre, though the policy says at least every division or sub-county must have a health centre III.

Residents from this division say they only depend on Village Health Teams (VHTs) to access health care services, or else they have to trek close to 10 km to access the nearest health centres.

Sister Grace Mary Akiror, the deputy head of the Resident District Commissioners' (RDCs') secretariat. (Credit: Yosam Gucwaki)

Grace Birungi, a resident of Kigulya cell and also a VHT, says mothers and children are the most affected by lack of health services in the region.

Harriet Atugonza, a resident of Nyakalogi cell told the New Vision that when it comes to giving birth, they use Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) since there is no option because moving to the nearest health centres is a big challenge.

"When a child gets sick, you have to carry him on your back to Masindi hospital, which is about 10 km. In many cases, some poor parents and their children walk to hospital," Atugonza noted.

Evasi Katusabe, a resident of Nyakalogi cell said that sometimes they don't seek for antenatal services due to long distances to the health facilities.

Technocrats present challenges

During the meeting with Akiror at district headquarters, the technocrats presented several challenges affecting service delivery, including inadequate staff at Masindi Hospital, where the medical superintendent, Dr. Rogers Musinguzi, said that they are at 40%.

Other challenges included lack of a road unit at Masindi Municipality to work on the 300km roads, delayed construction of Masindi modern market, and inadequate funds sent to local governments to work on roads, among others.