BY OBED KITHENDE
Political leaders in Kasese District have joined hands to request the President of the Republic of Uganda to intervene into the issue of the Ministry of Health withdrawing its support from Kilembe Mines Hospital.
The hospital is currently operating opposite its former premises in Bulembia Division after its successful separation from Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Kasese town where it was operating following the 2020 floods from River Nyamwamba that destroyed its original premises in Bulembia Division.
On December 02, last year, the Ministry of Health wrote to the Executive Director Joint Medical Stores calling for the deactivation of Kilembe Mines Hospital and transfer of the EMHS Credit Line allocation worth shillings three hundred fifty three million four hundred ninety one thousand two hundred twenty one (343,491,221) to other health facilities in Kasese Municipality and Kasese district.
On Thursday morning, the concerned Members of Parliament from Kasese district, the District Chairperson, the Mayor for Kasese Municipality and the Bulembia Division held a joint press conference at Virina Gardens in Kasese town to deliberate about the matter where they resolved to seek the intervention of the Head of State.
Hon. Ferigo Kambale, the Kasese Municipality Member of Parliament said he was shocked when he landed on the document. Kambale who stressed that Kilembe Mines Hospital serves a population of 500,000 people, adding that if the government support and services are withdrawn, the people’s lives would remain in danger.
Hon. Florence Kabugho, the Kasese District Woman Member of Parliament, explained that withdrawing health services from the health facility was like a death warrant to the expectant mothers who badly need health services near to them.
The Kasese District Chairperson, Mr. Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi argued that the Ministry of Health did not consult them about its decision.
Chance Kahindo, the Kasese Municipality Mayor, revealed that withdrawing the health services from the population in Bulembia Division would affect the health sector in the urban area and advocated for the President’s intervention.
Mr. Richard Bomera, the Bulembia Division L. C III Chairperson where the health facility is located expressed disappointment about the matter.
