MBALE: In a late-night operation conducted on Wednesday night, the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, carried out an unannounced inspection of Busiu Health Centre IV in Mbale District. The operation was conducted alongside the Regional Internal Security Officer (RISO), officers from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and improve public service delivery.
Despite the unexpected night inspection, the Minister commended the health workers who were on duty, applauding their professionalism and commitment to providing healthcare services to patients around the clock. He particularly recognized the medical team led by Dr. Mawumbe Bernard and Dr. Balayo Isa Mustafa, together with the midwives, nurses and other staff, for their dedication to ensuring that patients continued to receive quality care.
The inspection established that Busiu Health Centre IV, the largest public health facility in Mbale District, is operating under significant pressure due to the increasing number of patients seeking treatment. The Minister noted that the facility urgently requires expansion, additional health workers and more medical equipment to meet the growing healthcare needs of the surrounding communities and improve the quality of services offered.
Hon. Barugahara emphasized that access to quality healthcare is a constitutional right for every Ugandan and pledged that the Ministry of Local Government would continue working closely with the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders to mobilize support towards strengthening the facility’s capacity.
He further warned public officers against absenteeism, negligence of duty and misuse of government resources, noting that the Ministry would continue conducting both daytime and late-night surprise inspections across local governments to enhance accountability, transparency and efficiency in public service delivery. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens receive quality public services regardless of the time of day.