HOIMA, January 29, 2025 – There was great excitement among local leaders and residents as the Bank of Uganda [ BoU ] officially handed over a state-of-the-art theatre to Kigorobya Health Centre IV in Hoima District, aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and improving surgical services.
Speaking at the recent handover ceremony in Kigorobya Town Council, Dr Michael Atingi-Ego, Deputy Governor of BoU, highlighted that the new facility would provide life-saving services to mothers and children in Hoima district.
“This is not just a building; it is a lifeline, poised to deliver vital services to mothers, children, and families in Hoima,” Dr Atingi-Ego said.
He emphasised that the construction of the theatre was part of BoU’s Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR] initiatives.
“Here in Kigorobya, the bank’s commitment to maternal, infant, and child health is clear. Through our partnership with the Ministry of Health, local leaders, and the dedicated staff, we have refurbished Kigorobya Health Centre IV. We must ensure that it is used responsibly and maintained for the benefit of generations to come,” he added.
According to Michael Baluku, the in-charge of the centre, it serves over 30,000 people within the Bunyoro Subregion and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He noted that the new theatre would significantly improve health service delivery for this catchment population.
“The facility delivers 1,500 babies every year, and this development will reduce the number of referrals to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Previously, we had to refer 30 mothers every month due to the lack of a functioning theatre,” he explained.
Baluku commended BoU for supporting the construction of the facility and urged the government to recruit anaesthetists to ensure the theatre becomes fully operational.
Uthman Mugisha Mubarak, the Hoima District LCV Chairman, expressed that the construction of the theatre is a significant relief for expectant mothers, noting that many have had to travel long distances to seek these services, with some tragically dying on the way.
“This facility we are receiving is not just a building, but represents hope, care, and a better future for everyone,” he said.
Mugisha further highlighted that while the Ministry of Public Service had allowed the district to recruit anaesthetists, the district service commission had expired by the time permission was granted. However, he assured that the district is working to re-establish the service commission to facilitate the recruitment process.
He also stressed the need to elevate Kigorobya Health Centre IV to a district hospital in order to better manage the growing population.
In her address, Dr Diane Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, expressed sincere gratitude for BoU’s generous contribution, acknowledging the profound impact the theatre would have on local healthcare services.
“We sincerely thank the Bank of Uganda for this invaluable support. This theatre will play a crucial role in saving lives and significantly improving surgical services at Kigorobya Health Centre IV,” Dr Atwine said.
She also directed Hoima district leaders to use the Hoima City Service Commission to recruit anaesthetists, emphasising that the matter of recruiting anaesthetists is urgent and should not be delayed until the district service commission is re-established.
Emmanuel Ssempara, the Hoima District Chief Administrative Officer, also welcomed the new theatre, noting that it would greatly improve healthcare delivery at the centre. However, he called on the government to increase the district’s wage bill to enable the recruitment of critical staff.
He pointed out that key departments such as health and education are currently lacking substantive staff, with these departments being managed by officers in an acting capacity.
https://thecooperator.news/king-of-bunyoro-offers-financial-support-to-kibaale-health-centre-iv/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 0
