The Minister of Local Government, Balaam Ateenyi, has flagged urgent gaps in healthcare delivery following a surprise inspection at Busiu Health Centre IV in Mbale District.
The early morning visit, conducted alongside the Regional Internal Security Officer, officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, sought to assess operations at the facility, which serves as the largest public health centre in the district.
In a statement released after the exercise, Ateenyi praised medical personnel found on duty, highlighting their commitment despite mounting pressure.
He specifically commended Dr. Mawumbe Bernard, Dr. Balayo Isa Mustafa, alongside nurses and midwives, for maintaining essential services.
However, the inspection exposed significant strain on the facility, with the minister noting that Busiu Health Centre IV is overwhelmed by a rising number of patients.
He said the current infrastructure and staffing levels are inadequate to meet demand, calling for immediate intervention.
“The facility urgently requires expansion, additional health workers, and more medical equipment to improve service delivery,” Ateenyi stated.
The minister underscored that access to quality healthcare is a constitutional right, adding that the government will step in to address the challenges.
He confirmed that the Ministry of Local Government will collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to strengthen the facility’s capacity.
At the same time, Ateenyi issued a stern warning to public servants accused of negligence or corruption.
He said unannounced inspections will continue across public institutions to enforce accountability and ensure efficient use of public resources.
“To those who neglect their duties or misuse public resources, be warned,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and service delivery.
The findings come at a time when Uganda’s public health sector continues to face pressure from population growth and limited resources, with experts calling for increased investment in infrastructure and human resources.