Rubanda District has received a major boost in maternal healthcare following the official handover of a new maternity ward at Kagarama Health Centre II, constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade at a cost of Shs142.5 million.
The facility was officially handed over during a ceremony attended by district leaders, health officials, and members of the community.
During the event, the Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson, Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, directed the District Health Officer, Dr. Mporapora, to ensure that a VIP latrine is constructed for health workers after staff raised concerns over the lack of proper sanitation facilities.
The directive was delivered on his behalf by the District Vice Chairperson, Hon. Akampurira Kesaphari Prossy, who emphasized that improving healthcare services remains a priority for the district.
“Health is life,” Kesaphari said, adding that once the matter is presented before the district council, it will be addressed.
She also assured residents that electricity will soon be connected to the newly completed maternity ward, noting that the health facility is located close to the national power grid.
Kesaphari commended the UPDF Engineering Brigade for delivering quality work, particularly praising the finishing of the building, including the tiled floors.
Local leaders welcomed the new facility, saying it will significantly improve maternal health services in the area.
Hamuhambo Town Council Mayor Aggrey Bandebaho and the LC5 Female Councilor representing Hamuhambo Town Council and Bubare Sub-county, Francine Turyazayo, said the absence of a maternity ward had forced many expectant mothers to travel long distances to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, with some giving birth along the way before reaching medical care.
The leaders also appealed to the district to provide a reliable water supply at the health facility to support cleaning and maintain proper hygiene.
Chairperson of the Health Facility Management Committee, Joseph Sanyu, said Kagarama Health Centre II has been handling an average of 11 deliveries every month, but the new maternity ward is expected to nearly triple that capacity to about 31 deliveries per month.
Following the handover ceremony, the district monitoring team, led by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), district engineers, and members of the District Executive Committee, inspected ongoing construction works being undertaken by the UPDF Engineering Brigade at Rubanda District General Hospital, Bufundi Health Centre III, and Shebeya Health Centre II.
District leaders expressed optimism that the new infrastructure projects will strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to quality maternal and child health services across Rubanda District.
