Growing population strains Masindi health centre

Kibwona Health Centre II, which residents want elevated to a health centre III. PHOTO/STEPHEN WANDERA
What you need to know:
- “The population has increased yet the facility is still classified as a health centre II. This means the medicine supplied is inadequate, leading to frequent drug stock-outs,” Mr Richard Kamanyire
Residents of Karujubu Division in Masindi Municipality are calling on the government to upgrade Kibwona Health Centre II to a health centre III, citing its inability to serve a growing population of more than 50,000 people adequately.
They argue that the facility cannot handle serious illnesses, forcing patients to travel long distances for treatment.
Karujubu is one of the four divisions in Masindi Municipality and borders Budongo Forest.
Mr Richard Kamanyire, a resident, noted that the facility was built to serve a smaller population.
“The population has increased yet the facility is still classified as a health centre II. This means the medicine supplied is inadequate, leading to frequent drug stock-outs,” he said.
“As residents, we are requesting the government to elevate Kibwona Health Centre II. Some patients, after arriving for treatment, are advised to seek care at private facilities or travel long distances to other government hospitals,” Mr Kamanyire added.
He also pointed out that the facility is located near Kinyara Sugar Company and many of its workers rely on it for medical services.
“Many expectant mothers are also forced to travel to other health facilities to deliver their babies,” he said.
Kamanyire further said that the facility remains closed on weekends, leaving patients with no option but to seek treatment at private clinics.
This publication visited the health centre on Saturday, February 1, at midday and found it closed, with both the main gate and entrance door locked.
Mr Godfrey Kasamba, the chairperson of the health centre management committee, said the facility is struggling to meet the healthcare demands of the growing population.
“We have an inadequate number of staff, and the facility is not connected to electricity, relying solely on solar power,” he noted.
Ms Easter Byenkya, a nursing officer at the facility, said among other challenges, there is lack of staff housing, water supply, and transport for emergency referrals.
The Senior Assistant Town Clerk of Karujubu Division, Mr Julius Isingoma, acknowledged the need to upgrade Kibwona Health Centre II but stated that the process is currently delayed by land acquisition.
“We are in the process of securing a land title and once that is done, we will lobby the Ministry of Health for the facility’s upgrade,” he said.