Kamuli, Uganda: First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli Woman MP Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga has castigated government over the poor state of healthcare services in public hospitals, saying it is unacceptable that Ugandan taxpayers depend on NGOs to equip and sustain facilities meant to serve citizens.
Speaking during the Kamuli Independence Celebrations Kidney Health Camp organized by Becky’s Child Foundation at Kamuli District Grounds, Hon Kadaga expressed concern that government hospitals are struggling while NGOs shoulder responsibilities that should be managed by the state.
“I am not happy that our government hospital is supported by an NGO from Mexico. Really, an organization supporting a government facility where Ugandan taxpayers expect better services. I am going to make a serious follow-up in Parliament and Cabinet,” Kadaga said.
She emphasized that government should take the lead in managing, funding, and equipping hospitals while NGOs only supplement. Kadaga pledged to “toughly raise, push, and advocate” for improvements in the health sector to ensure access, availability, and affordability of essential health services.
The former Speaker of Parliament also announced that she has secured support from her international network to establish five diagnostic centers across Busoga to ease access to kidney treatment and reduce patient migration to Kampala.
“We are going to have five diagnostic centers; Kamuli will host a Center of Excellence, while others will be in Iganga, Mayuge, Bugiri, and Kaliro, in addition to one at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital,” she revealed.
Uganda Kidney Association President Dr. Joseph Gyagenda and Jinja Regional Referral Hospital Consultant Dr. Afizi Kibuuka urged the public to go for early screening to detect kidney diseases early. They also appealed to health workers to treat patients with care and compassion.
Dr. Kibuuka warned against the prolonged use of cannulas, noting that such practices can lead to heart and kidney complications. “Don’t wear a cannula for days and carry it to your office waiting for the next dose,” he cautioned.
Kamuli District Health Officer James Waako highlighted the need to equip grassroots health centers with screening facilities and consistent drug supplies to serve rural communities that cannot afford long travel distances for treatment.
Becky’s Child Foundation Executive Director, Ms Rebecca Alitwala Mubeezi, praised Kadaga for her leadership and community service, describing the health camp as an Independence gift to the people of Busoga.
“We are humbled that our Independence celebration through the Kidney Health Camp has been successful. Having Mama Kadaga grace this event is a testament to her passion for the people’s health and welfare,” Ms Mubeezi said.
She disclosed that 560 people were screened during last month’s outreach, with another 420 screened during the Independence camp, receiving vital medical advice and treatment. Mubeezi pledged to continue organizing more outreach camps, emphasizing preventive rather than curative health services.
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