Kween District | On his way to the community Baraza in Kween District, Hon. Barugahara Ateenyi, made an impromptu stop at Ngenge Health Center III in Cheprigin Village after receiving complaints from residents over poor service delivery at the facility.
Hon. Balaam was met by a large group of concerned residents who had gathered at the health center to voice their frustrations.
According to the residents, the health facility, which serves Cheprigin and surrounding villages, is crippled by absenteeism of health workers especially at night, leaving patients stranded in emergency situations. The residents further accused some staff of selling government drugs and extorting money from expectant mothers for Mama Kits, which are supposed to be free.
“We come here at night and there is no one to help us. If you are a mother in labour, you have to pay for Mama Kit yet we are told it is free,” one resident told the Minister.
The residents also used the opportunity to raise other pressing challenges affecting the community. They reported that the entire village survives on only one borehole for clean water, and that there is no secondary school in the area, forcing children to walk long distances or drop out after primary school.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Balaam expressed disappointment over the allegations and assured the residents that immediate action will be taken.
On the state of the health facility, Hon. Balaam noted that since Ngenge Health Center III was constructed by missionaries, government will complement the existing structure by adding another building to expand it and improve service delivery.
“I have heard your complaints about drugs being sold and health workers not being available at night. I will bring in the Ministry of Health to investigate this matter thoroughly. No Ugandan should be denied medical care or forced to buy what government provides for free,” Hon. Balaam said.
On the issue of education, the Minister promised to personally engage the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, to consider the establishment of a secondary school in the area.
For the water crisis, he pledged to escalate the matter to the relevant ministry for intervention.
Hon. Balaam further urged all residents of Cheprigin Village and neighboring communities to attend the main Baraza and present all their issues openly, so that government can plan and respond effectively.
“The Baraza is your platform. Come there and bring all your issues. Government wants to listen to you directly and find solutions together,” he added.
The Baraza, organized as part of government’s community engagement drive, is expected to bring together district leaders, technical officers, and residents to discuss service delivery challenges in Kween District.
