Residents and Parish Development Model (PDM) leaders in Nabulu-Kasanja Ward, Nakaloke Rural, Mbale Northern City Division, are appealing to government for the construction of a health facility in their area.
With a population of approximately 7,000 people across seven zones, Nabulu-Kasanja currently lacks a Health Centre II or III. This forces residents, especially pregnant mothers, to travel long distances to access medical and antenatal services an issue that raises healthcare costs and increases the risk of maternal and child mortality.
A section of residents says they are spending their Parish Development Model (PDM) funds on private healthcare due to the absence of a government health facility in the area.
The concerns were raised last week during a stakeholder's meeting held at Mabale Primary School that was presided over by Ritah Namuwenge, the National Coordinator for Emyooga and the PDM program, who's also aspiring for the Mbale City Woman Member of Parliament seat on the NRM ticket. The meeting aimed to assess the progress of the PDM program in the area.
Agatha Claire Namasaba, Coordinator of Village Health Teams (VHTs) in Nakaloke, expressed gratitude to Namuwenge for her visit, noting that residents finally feel they have someone who can advocate on their behalf.
“Our health policy mandates that every sub-county and town council should have a Health Centre III to provide outpatient services, maternity care, and lab testing,” Namasaba said.
"Here in Nakaloke Rural we lack a health center. Mothers struggle to take children for immunization from Doko I and II to Nakaloke Health Centre III or Namanyonyi Health Centre III. Some don’t even get antenatal services.” She stated.
She added that rural mothers often face discrimination during health outreach campaigns.
“Sometimes when we go to those health centres during health campaigns, we are told the services are only for those in the town council and sent back,” Namasaba lamented.
She appealed directly to Namuwenge, saying, “Mama Ritah, Nakaloke Rural has land. We need government support to build a health facility. Many mothers suffer walking long distances, and some men don’t even provide transport for them.”
She also requested Namuwenge to urge the Mbale City Mayor to fence Mabale Primary School to enhance security for the learners.
Robert Busiku Mashate, a youth leader and resident, added that many expectant mothers cannot afford motorcycle (bodaboda) transport and are forced to walk to distant health centres.
In response, Namuwenge likened herself to a substitute player ready to make a difference. “I used to play netball. When a player keeps missing chances, the coach substitutes her. I’m that substitute full of energy and ready to score, Trust me with your mandate and you won’t regret it,” she said.
“I successfully managed the Emyooga program, and those who enrolled have success stories. If elected as your MP, I will ensure we 'fall in the box, get a penalty, and score.’” Namuwenge noted.
Residents now hope that through Ritah Namuwenge the government will respond to their pleas by establishing a health facility in Nakaloke Rural to improve access to vital medical services.
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