Mukono's Kikandwa HCIII to give 24/7 healthcare after getting staff housing

MUKONO - Mukono district's Kikandwa Health Centre III has officially received a newly constructed medical staff housing unit, solving the long-standing challenge of night-time service gaps in the community.

The Rotary Club of Kampala South initiative, executed in partnership with US-based Rotary Club of Des Moines, ensures health workers can now live within the confines of the facility, improving emergency response for mothers and children who previously found the centre unattended at night.

For years, the health centre relied on staff commuting from the districts of Kampala, Wakiso and Jinja, delaying care for maternal emergencies such as postpartum haemorrhage, obstructed labour and abnormal fetal presentations..

Commissioning the facility on November 21, 2025, works and transport minister Gen. Katumba Wamala said the investment fills a critical gap where government resources fall short.

“Inadequate access to health services remains a major challenge. When partners like Rotary step in with infrastructure such as staff housing, they strengthen service delivery,” Wamala said.

Overcoming absenteeism

Julius Turinawe, the in-charge of the facility, said the housing is a game-changer and will enable staff to stay on-site, stop absenteeism for mothers and children to get help anytime.

“Some of the cases we receive cannot wait, but having our team here 24/7 will save lives,” he said.

The staff quarters constructed at a cost of about shillings 120 million, represent the latest development in Rotary’s 12-year investment in Kikandwa.

The club has previously built the maternity, children’s and general wards and equipped the centre with an ultrasound scan, CBC machine and oxygen concentrators.

The club also distributed sanitary pads to St Mark Primary School pupils. (Credit: Richard Ategeka)

Past President Rita Tinka said the new accommodation answers a critical need observed after earlier investments.

“Our partnership gave Kikandwa the infrastructure, but without staff living here, its full potential could not be realised,” she noted.

“This housing ensures that the people in this community receive dependable, timely care.”

Tinka added that Rotary hopes to expand the quarters further and eventually construct a theatre so the facility can upgrade to Health Centre IV status.

Club service projects director Emmanuel Mukwenda Mugisa emphasised that the Kikandwa success story is a product of strong partnership with the Rotary Club of Des Moines.

“Funding and collaboration have enabled the centre to evolve from a basic rural post into a growing health hub and together we are ensuring that mothers and children are not left behind,” he said.

Over 400 benefit from health camp

The handover event doubled as an Integrated Maternal and Child Health Camp, offering antenatal care, cervical cancer screening, immunisation, adolescent health service and family planning to hundreds.

The club also distributed Mama kits, sanitary pads to St Mark Primary School pupils, and over 1,000 fruit trees to promote nutrition and environmental conservation. 

Village chairperson Ruth Nakalyowa said the medical camps have changed community attitudes toward healthcare.

“People now come for check-ups; they receive free treatment and now understand disease prevention. These services have transformed us,” she said.

Expectant mother Josephine Nyafono from Namaliri credited the new staff housing for improving maternal safety.

“Before, you could find no one here at night. Now we know help will always be available, especially for us pregnant women,” she said.

The handover of staff housing and delivery of integrated health services in Kikandwa signal a strengthened commitment to saving lives, enhancing rural healthcare, and supporting some of Uganda’s most vulnerable families.