The Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Management Board, led by Prof. Iraka Owange, has been dissolved following the expiration of its term. The handover ceremony for the outgoing board took place on Tuesday this week at Igongo Cultural Center after having served for two terms, each lasting three years.
The Inauguration Ceremony was presided over by the State Minister of Health In charge of General Duties, Hon. Kawooya, who represented the Minister of Health last Tuesday.
In his remarks, Dr. Barigye reported that through the Outgoing Hospital Management Board, led by Prof. Iraka Owange, the hospital has attained several milestones.
“Allow me to report that in the past, the Hospital lacked a proper perimeter wall, leading to concerns about security and privacy. We successfully lobbied the Government and secured 1.2 billion shillings to construct the perimeter wall, famously dubbed ‘the great wall of Mbarara’, which has significantly improved security,” Dr. Barigye said.
He added that through lobbying efforts with the Outgoing Hospital Board, the central government facilitated the construction of a 32-unit housing facility amounting to 5.7 billion shillings. This was aimed at addressing the issue of staff accommodation, given that the majority are still residing outside the hospital premises. However, he requested additional funding to establish more housing infrastructure.
The hospital director expressed concerns about the deteriorating state of the patient wards, with many structures being dilapidated.
Over two decades ago, the president laid the foundation stone marking the expansion of Mbarara Hospital to a National Referral Hospital.
“The President’s promise has not been realized. We are hopeful that the government will prioritize this to empower the facility to provide adequate and quality services to the people of Uganda,” Dr. Barigye added.
Meanwhile, the hospital director commended the support provided through the USAID Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Strengthening Activity, which has enabled the hospital to become a Center of Excellence.
Prof. Iraka Owange, the Outgoing Board Chairman, applauded the symbiotic relationship between the board and the hospital administration during his tenure. He urged the government to prioritize regional referral hospitals by providing necessary diagnostic equipment and workforce to improve service delivery.
Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, the Mbarara City Mayor, highlighted the inadequate facilities at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, making it difficult for patients to find accommodation.
“Inadequate facilities at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital have led to patients sleeping on the floor. It’s time for the government to prioritize this hospital,” Kakyebezi said.
In her response, Hon. Anifa Kawoya pledged to address the matter of revamping Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital at the national level. She acknowledged the hospital’s role in attracting many patients, contributing to congestion.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to support healthcare service delivery and thanked the American government for its partnership through USAID Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
She urged the new board members to be proactive and work towards the development of the hospital.
Halson Kagure, the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Public Relations Officer, emphasized the significance of the regional hospital management board in advocating for quality services, transparency, and strategic leadership.
According to the Ministry of Health Guidelines, the Referral Hospital Management Board comprises nine members, including four women and three ex-officios. Dr. James Mugume now assumes the role of the new Board Chairman, with Dr. Celestine Barigye, the MRRH Director, taking an oath as the Secretary to the Board.
Other members include Juliet Ankunda, the Acting Senior Principal Nursing Officer; Dr. Aggrey Kagwisagye; Ms. Atuhaire Proscovia, a Practicing Lawyer; Engineer Jackson Nimusiima, a Civil Engineer; Dr. Stavia Turyahabwe, a Representative of Ministry of Health; and Mr. Assy Abirebe, Mbarara City Clerk.
The three Ex-Officios are Dr. Peter Ssebutinde, Mbarara District Health Officer; Mr. Melchoir Byaruhanga, Mbarara University Secretary; Manzi Mbabazize, MRRH Pharmacist; and Ms. Sarah Mulongo, MRRH Principal Hospital Administrator.
The process of nominating the new board starts six months prior to its expiry, initiated by the Hospital Director writing to the Permanent Secretary. The Permanent Secretary then communicates with the Minister of Health, who informs the District Chairpersons in the hospital’s catchment area to select at least three nominees. The nominees are approved in the district or city councils and sent back to the Minister for final approval.
The Ministry of Health Guidelines also stipulate that the Board can co-opt hospital members of staff as and when required, but not more than two members.