Rotarians fundraise for water and improved sanitation at Masindi hospital

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The Rotary Club of Masindi has launched a campaign to raise funds for a water facility project in Masindi Hospital.

On Thursday, the Rotary Club of Masindi had a marathon aimed at raising money to improve water facilities at Masindi Hospital.

"We are looking for sh7.5m, but the entire project is going to cost sh238m. We are doing this campaign globally as Rotarians," said Perida Agaba, the President Masindi Rotary Club, while speaking to New Vision online on Thursday.

She revealed that during their needs assessment, they identified challenges, including the worn-out water tank reservoir, which is 100 years old.

Masindi Rotarian president, Perida Agaba, addressing the runners. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)

Its capacity, she added, cannot match the users.

"Out of the sh238m, we are going to procure a 10,000 litre reservoir tank, do plumbing throughout the hospital and the theatre and also put a water tank at every ward. This water is going to be solar-powered, and the same solar system will be providing water in the hospital. We believe that this is going to greatly cut the high bills of water and electricity," said Agaba.

She said they are doing all these in partnership with the Masindi district local government.

Agaba called upon different stakeholders and the partners to support the noble cause, saying that funds can be put on the account number 3201352021in the name of the Rotary Club of Masindi in Centenary Bank.

Kinyara donates sh1m

Francis Mugerwa, the Public Relations officer Kinyara sugar limited (Centre), handing over sh1m to the leadership of Rotary Club of Masindi. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)

Relatedly, Kinyara Sugar Ltd also donated sh1m towards the establishment of a water and sanitation system at the same hospital

The donation was delivered on Tuesday by Francis Mugerwa, the Public Relations Officer, during their weekly fellowship that is usually held at the Court View Hotel in Masindi town.

While handing over the donation to Agaba, Mugerwa said the company supports other community programs such as education, health, environment, infrastructure development and other community needs.

He underscored Kinyara's commitment to continue supporting community social and economic development activities under the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

Rogers Musinguzi, the medical superintendent of Masindi hospital, welcomed the campaign drive, revealing that government funding for utilities is insufficient.

About Masindi hospital

Masindi hospital was built in 1922 as a health aid post for the workers of the East African Railways. In 1935, it was acquired by the colonial government and developed into a Health Centre IV facility. In 1965, it was handed over to the government of Uganda. In 1988, it was upgraded to a 100-bed general hospital. 54 gynaecology beds were added in 2008 to bring the bed capacity to 154. The bed capacity as of January 2013 was given as 160.

Patients served mainly come from the districts of Masindi, Kiryandongo, Buliisa, Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Hoima and Nebbi.