Archbishop raps KCCA over transfer of taxi park to Usafi

By Jacquiline Emodek               

KAMPALA - The Archbishop of Kampala Cyprian Kizito Lwanga has expressed concern over the difficult access of Nsambya Hospital by patients and employees following the transfer of the route's taxis from the Old Taxi Park to Usafi Park.

He said that since Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) transferred the taxi terminus about two km away for taxis plying the Nsambya route, there are no passenger service vehicles to access the hospital.

“As the owner of the hospital I have received complaints from the patients and hospital staff that they face difficulty trekking from the Old Taxi Park to Usafi to get taxis. As a result some are forced to use boda bodas [motorcyles] which is uncomfortable especially for women in labour,” he said.

Lwanga said that despite the fact that KCCA authorities had granted the hospital management audience to air out their grievances, nothing has been done about it.

“They gave us three conditions – provision of a parking area which has been provided and awaits inspection, negotiating with taxi operators and asking them to abide by new laws which were agreed to, getting a firm to operate the taxis which is being evaluated now and submission of a formal proposal which is being drafted."

The Church leader said he appreciated the efforts of the authority, but added that there is a group of people that ought to be considered as well.

“I thank them for the work they have done, but I am appealing on behalf of the patients that the authority listens to my cry and make it easy for them to access the hospital."
 

A busy day at Usafi market
 

Usafi Taxi Park

Lwanga was speaking during the inauguration of the Regina Coeli ward at the Kampala-based Nsambya Hospital.

The three-storied multi-purpose ward and operating theatre houses an intensive care unit, dialysis unit, neonatal intensive care unit.

According to Dr. Martin Nsubuga, the medical director of the health facility, the ward which cost sh5bn with funding from Centenary Bank will accommodate about 100 patients.

Nsubuga said the operating theatre that the hospital has been depending on was far from the wards and also catered for a large number of patients.

“We have been using one theatre for all the patients and as a result there would be overcrowding and long queues but with the addition of the gynaecology and obstetrics theatres the mothers will be catered for."

The director added that two floors are dedicated to the labour ward which will target the less affluent so that they can be accorded peaceful existence in a justice characterized environment.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Lwanga urged the medical staff to not only treat the patients but also heal them spiritually.

"Do not only give the professional services, but also play the evangelical role and reflect on the passionate life of Jesus."