Why Kikuube residents want Bugambe HCIII upgraded

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Residents and leaders of Bugambe sub-county in Kikuube district have called for the upgrade of Bugambe Health Centre (HC) III elevated to a HCIV.

The residents, especially those from Buhaguzi East County, say the move will ensure better health service delivery.

The facility, which was founded in 2000, every day receives between 100 to 150 patients suffering from ailments, including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, malaria, hypertension, eye problems, blood pressure issues, ulcers and dental challenges. However, the facility is facing challenges, including drug stock-outs, inadequate staffing and limited space.

Kyamasuka village chairperson Patrick Katusabe says there is a need for the Government to upgrade the facility to serve the growing population.

He noted that at times, patients are compelled to queue for long hours while seeking treatment and that medicines allocated to the facility are not always enough, given the huge population. 

He added that because of these challenges, patients incur costs as they move long distances to go to Kikkube HCIV and Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, yet they would be treated at the facility.

Kyakajaka village resident John Mugume said the Government should save residents from incurring costs while travelling long distances seeking medication from other health facilities, such as Hoima Regional Referral Hospital in Hoima city.

He noted that patients are forced to go to private clinics due to drug stock-outs at the facility, resulting in overwhelming numbers of patients.



Bugambe chairperson Joseph Kwatiramunda said sub-county leaders submitted their request for the facility's upgrade to the district executive committee years ago.

He noted that by the time the facility was constructed, the sub-county had about 15,000 residents but the population has grown to about 20,000.

He was optimistic that if the facility is upgraded, the Government will allocate more resources to it, including staff, medicines and infrastructure, which in turn will improve service delivery.

Kikuube district health officer Dr Gerald Asaba supported the call to upgrade the facility, currently having nine medical workers instead of the required 19.

“Upgrading of a health facility comes with many things, including surgery, more medical workers and increased medical supplies,” he said.

Speaking in the phone interview, Kikuube LC5 vice-chairperson Vincent Alpha Opio said the district has a plan of upgrading at least one HCIII in Buhaguzi East, but the leaders are yet to agree on which one.

Buhaguzi East has two HCs III in the sub-counties of Bugambe and Buhimba.

Opio said the district executive committee (DEC) has asked the district administrative officer and district health officer to make technical reports guiding DEC members on the facility to upgrade.

The leaders expressed their concerns during the celebration of belated Women's Day at Ruguse Primary School in Kyamasuka village Ruguse parish.

Lands minister Judith Nabakooba promised to submit the matter to the health minister.