Staff abandon health centre over death threats

May 30, 2016

The threats began in 2012 and have continued to-date despite attempts by authorities to address the matter.

RAKAI - Health workers and security guards have deserted Gayaza Health Center II in Kasaali sub-county, Rakai district over alleged death threats from unknown people.

The health facility is under the supervision of Kalisizo Hospital. It supposed to serve six villages: Gayaza A, Gayaza B, Kalagala, Bukalasa, Byembogo and Kyakuduse.

But majority of patients who visited the unit do not find health workers to attend them. The unit, which is supposed to have at least eight staff, currently has four health workers available.

But even the ones available are living in fear and, with no night security at hand, they close the facility as early as 5pm local time.

Juliet Naluyange, the Gayaza health centre II in-charge, said the situation at the unit is currently tense.

According to her, the threats began in 2012 and have continued to-date despite attempts by district authorities and the district health officer to address the matter.

It is understood the unit has been attacked by gunmen on different occasions.

Juliet Naluyange, who is incharge of the Gayaza health centre II. (Credit: Davis Buyondo)


Naluyange told New Vision that they have always received anonymous letters demanding that the health workers and security guards vacate the premises or face the worst repercussions.

"Four watchmen and health workers have left since 2012 over the threats."

Due to lack of security, she said they were forced to suspend night duties to avoid putting the lives of the health workers at risk. Also, the health workers abandoned the staff quarters, citing insecurity.

 "The hospital was built in an isolated place about two kilometers from Gayaza trading centre. After raising our fears, the DHO Moses Ssaku, advised us to close at 5:30pm due to lack of security." She explained.

Many patients have also been forced to seek alternative channels.

Robert Mayanja, a former security guard at the facility, was the first to leave after he was attacked by gunmen. He is said to have witnessed an incident in which a person was murdered near the unit premises and the assailants thought he would report them.

Mayanja then asked to be transferred to Kibanda Health Center in Buyamba County. Since that time, the exit door has always been flung open.

"When Mayanja left, Mulindwa came and left after a few months due to similar attacks and threats. Others like Baziraki and Sowedi and other health workers followed suit," said Naluyange.

Kasolo Ssempala, the Gayaza chairperson, said murder cases have been happening in the area but not necessarily targeting health workers at this particular health centre.

 "Even if the unit runs out of drugs, the health workers must stay around to at least offer counseling services or fist aid," he added.

Dr. Moses Ssaku, the district health officer, said that he's aware of the threats but the matter was solved last year after providing another watchman to the unit.

His argument is that health workers are only taking advantage of the past attacks to abscond from duty. They are planning to recruit new staff to improve on the health service delivery in the area.

Ssaku also said that they are planning to reintroduce night duty so that people can be treated all the time.

Charles Mubiru, the resident district commissioner for Rakai, said they received several security cases in the recent years and solved them. And for the more recent ones, he said they are working with police and the district health officer to solve the problem.

 

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