Staff Reporter
Kabale District Local Government has been recognized as the top performer in the health sector for the Kigezi Region during the 2023/24 fiscal year, as revealed after the 2nd Kigezi Regional Health Sector Performance Review Mission in Kisoro District.
Kabale District has surpassed Rubanda District, which held the top position in the 2021/22 fiscal year. Rubanda District is now ranked second, followed by Rukungiri District in third place, Rukiga District in fourth, with Kanungu and Kisoro Districts following behind.
Speaking after the 2nd Kigezi Regional Annual Health Sector Joint Performance Review Mission, held at Mutolere Secondary School in Nyakabande Sub-County, Kisoro District, Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson, Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, urged the Ministry of Health to improve accommodation for health workers to enhance service delivery.
Kasyaba pointed out that many health facilities lack proper accommodation for their staff, which hampers the ability of health workers to provide 24-hour care. He lamented that this situation has led to tragic incidents where patients arrive at these facilities only to find no healthcare workers available.
Dr. Christine Ntegamahe Mwebesa, Deputy Chairperson of the Health Service Commission, criticized the poor service delivery in Uganda’s health sector, despite recent salary increases for health workers.
Dr. Mwebesa noted that the salary hikes have encouraged many nurses and doctors to pursue further studies, which has adversely affected their performance at health facilities. She expressed concern over the trend of health workers engaging in extended training and studies without informing their supervisors.
She also criticized the growing reliance on acquiring health service skills through online courses, arguing that a qualified nurse or doctor should possess both practical knowledge and hands-on experience rather than depending solely on online education.
The review mission, sponsored by USAID, was conducted under the theme, “Re-imagining an Integrated and Efficient Health Care System for Equitable, Sustainable, and Resilient Health Service Delivery.”
