Residents of Kamusenene Village in Bukuya Subcounty, Kasanda District, are speaking out about the healthcare crisis in their area. The village lacks major health facilities, forcing locals to travel long distances for basic and specialized care. Many patients—especially the elderly, pregnant women, and children—suffer due to this gap in services.
The nearest health centers are several kilometers away. When patients arrive, they often find that medicine is unavailable. Angella Nalukwago, who sought treatment at a medical camp, shared her frustration. She said even government hospitals require patients to pay for every service. Nalukwago urged the government to build a large hospital in Kamusenene to improve access to care.
High transport costs and poor roads worsen the situation. Most patients rely on expensive boda bodas to reach Bukuya Health Center IV or other facilities outside the subcounty. These trips are costly and risky, delaying treatment and increasing health complications for vulnerable residents.
In an effort to ease the crisis, local charity Imanimilele partnered with district leaders to organize a one-week medical camp in Kamusenene. Over 2,000 residents benefited from free consultations, treatments, and health education. Dr. Mwesigwa Abraham from Kiruddu National Referral Hospital observed high rates of non-communicable diseases and child malnutrition. He emphasized the importance of regular outreach programs and well-equipped health centers in rural areas.
Phoebe Namulindwa, the Presidential Representative in Kasanda District, has responded to the concerns. She stated that no community should suffer without healthcare access. Namulindwa directed district health authorities to launch immediate outreach efforts in Kamusenene to address the urgent need.
The situation reflects a broader issue across rural Uganda. Many areas lack trained personnel, proper infrastructure, and nearby hospitals. Community leaders and health experts continue to call on the government and partners to invest in rural healthcare and bring services closer to the people.
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