Kiryandongo, (UG): Kiryandongo District staff Thursday bid farewell to the first-ever District Health Officer (DHO), Dr Mutyaba Imaam who retired after attaining the mandatory retirement last year on November 30, 2023.
Dr Mutyaba, observed as a selfless medical practitioner has been the DHO of Kiryandongo since its inception in July 2010.
In his handover remarks, Dr Mutyaba called upon the District leadership to work hard and improve the staffing level of health workers which averagely stands at 18%. He also glorified God for enabling him to serve Uganda for over 30 years without interdiction.
He added that he was honoured to be the first DHO of Kiryandongo stating; “Kiryandongo had areas whose children had never received any vaccination especially Kimogora which was hard to reach but I organised my health workers and facilitated them to go and carry out health outreaches.”
Dr Mutyaba also shared his experience in 2000 when he interfaced with Ebola Virus Disease when other health workers shunned work. “When Ebola broke out, many health workers shunned work. There was no one to help even after increasing risk allowance.” Said Dr. Mutyaba.
Baylor Uganda Regional Coordinator in Bunyoro, Dr. Betty Nsangi commended Mutyaba for his reception to partners which has enabled them to work closely and deliver services as he (Mutyaba) has been representing all the DHOs of Bunyoro on Baylor Uganda’s Regional committee.
The Assistant DHO- Maternal Child Health, Ms Christine Adar who has been assigned to care take as DHO called upon all the technical staff and political leaders to accord her all the necessary support and guidance during her tenure so as to deliver health services to the people of Kiryandongo.
Kiryandongo leaders pay tribute to Dr Mutyaba
The Kiryandongo District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr Martin Jacan Gwokto described Dr Mutyaba as a hardworking and dedicated civil servant who has offered his services to the health sector tirelessly. He also commended the medic for his high level of integrity and punctuality.
Gwotko called upon all the staff to support the caretaker DHO to deliver effectively and also thanked the political leadership for creating a conducive environment which has enabled Kiryandongo to excel in service delivery.
Ms Edith Aliguma Adyeri, the District chairperson commended Dr. Imaam for his lobbying skills which brought on board a number of development partners who contribute to health service delivery.
She also appreciated Dr. Mutyaba’s family for taking care of him during his tenure as DHO.
The Deputy RDC for Kiryandongo, Mr Jonathan Akweteireho described Dr Mutyaba as a man of high calibre whom he has known for 15 years.
“I have known Dr. Mutyaba for 15 years right from when I was still a journalist. At one time, there was a commission of inquiry investigating public officers in Masindi but Dr. Mutyaba’s name never surfaced anywhere because of his values and integrity,” said Akweteireho.
Recognized Achievements
Dr Mutyaba joined medical service in 1990 as a dental surgeon in Masindi and was in 2006 promoted to the rank of medical superintendent of Masindi General Hospital.
In 2000, he was recognised as the employee of the year following his tireless efforts in the fight against the deadly Ebola Virus Disease.
Dr Mutyaba’s kindness and bravery during the fight against Ebola earned him a scholarship in Europe to study tropical medicine- a course which helped him grow career-wise to the rank of DHO.
He later joined Kiryandongo District on cross transfer in 2010 as a DHO- the position he has held until his retirement.
During his tenure as the DHO, Dr Mutyaba has enabled all government lower-level health facilities to be in a position to carry out maternal services. He has also improved the status of Kiryandongo Hospital which is ranked as number 10 in Uganda.
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