Residents of Kagada I and II in Kiyagara Parish, Kamwenge District, have taken matters into their own hands by constructing a health facility, a task typically reserved for the government.
The initiative became necessary as the nearest health center, Kiyagara Health Center III, is 20km away. The two villages, home to 378 households, struggled with limited access to medical services, particularly for expectant mothers and young children.
Community-Driven Effort
According to Mr. Alozio Barisigara, chairperson of Kagada I, residents agreed to pool resources to build the health center. Two local residents donated half an acre of land, and each household contributed Shs10,000 to fund construction.
The community now benefits from monthly medical outreach services, but Barisigara insists that more frequent visits are needed since illnesses do not follow a fixed schedule. He remains optimistic that the government will step in to complete the facility.
Challenges Faced by Residents
Village Health Team (VHT) member Mr. Gaston Turyahikayo emphasized the difficulties of traveling 20km to access health services. The high cost of transport via boda boda and impassable roads during rain made timely medical attention nearly impossible.
Ms. Dafuroza Kyomuhangi, a resident of Kagada II, highlighted the urgent need for expansion, as the facility lacks sufficient space. She stressed that transport challenges often delay expectant mothers, sometimes leading to tragic newborn deaths during the journey.
Government and NGO Support
The Primary Health Care Community Empowerment Initiatives Programme, supported by UNICEF and the Ministry of Health, has played a role in mobilizing communities like Kagada to take action in improving healthcare access.
Nutritionist Mr. Emmanuel Tumusiime explained that the facility’s goal is to serve as an outreach site for antenatal and immunization services, which directly impact maternal and child health.
Despite these efforts, Dr. Ivan Mujuni, Principal Medical Officer at Rukunyu General Hospital, acknowledged that the district’s Shs200m outreach budget is stretched thin. While Kagada receives monthly medical visits, he stated that weekly outreaches are necessary to meet the community’s needs.
Lack of clean water remains a pressing issue. Kagada residents share a single borehole, and each household contributed Shs200,000 to request a second borehole from the government.
According to Mr. Turyahikayo, malaria remains the most common disease, exacerbated by poor water access and sanitation.
Sister Vigirnia Komworeko, Acting District Health Officer, praised the community’s self-reliance, noting that the new facility will ease pressure on existing health centers.
Though still incomplete, the health facility has already begun saving lives. Residents now look to the government to step in, provide health workers, and improve services to match the community’s commitment.
