EDITOR
Kanungu District yesterday concluded the Kigezi Annual Regional Joint Review Meeting, a two-day retreat held at Goro Cottages in Kihihi Town Council. The meeting, which began on Tuesday, 26th August 2025, brought together district health officers, health commissioners, directors, specialists, doctors, and heads of health facilities from across the six districts of Kigezi Sub-Region.
The purpose of the retreat was to review the performance of the health sector in the region, identifying areas of strength and addressing challenges, while mapping out strategies for improvement.
Among the key issues raised, Dr. Richard Mugabe, Commissioner for Maternal and Child Health, highlighted that malnutrition among children remains a serious concern in Kigezi. He cited cases of severe acute malnutrition admitted at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital and urged agricultural officers and health educators to train mothers on providing a balanced diet and cultivating nutritious food at home. Dr. Mugabe emphasized that poor nutrition not only affects physical growth but can also impact children’s performance in school.
Dr. Mugabe further noted efforts to make Health Center IVs fully functional, pointing out that Kigezi has the highest number of non-functional facilities. Plans are underway to operationalize key centers, including Rugyeyo Health Center, Rukungiri Health Center, and Busanza Health Center in Kisoro, before the end of the year.
As host of the meeting, Kanungu District Health Officer, Dr. Birungi Mutahunga Rwamatware, emphasized the need for collective action and practical implementation of solutions to regional health challenges.
In his closing remarks, Kanungu Resident District Commissioner Ambroze Amanyire Mwesigye reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening health systems, improving accountability, and promoting food security and primary healthcare across Kigezi.
