By Akankwasa Sharifu.
Construction of a major health facility at Kihihi Health Centre IV has begun, with local leaders saying the project could expand access to maternal health services in Kanungu District.
The project, estimated at more than Shs6.4 billion, was launched Thursday during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by district and town council leaders, health officials and representatives of the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
The planned facility will include two maternity wards alongside other hospital units and is expected to strengthen the capacity of Kihihi Health Centre IV to handle patients from Kihihi and surrounding communities.
The project is being financed by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Kanungu Local Government.
Kanungu District Health Officer Canon Dr. Birungi Mutahunga said the need for improved maternal services remains significant in the district.
According to Mutahunga, only 67% of women in Kanungu currently access maternal health care services. He said the additional infrastructure could help address some of the challenges affecting access to care and contribute to efforts to reduce maternal deaths.
The start of the project comes after the district secured initial funds to facilitate construction.
Kanungu Chief Administrative Officer Awuye Abdullah said Shs200 million had been procured by the district, while a further Shs400 million had been secured through the UPDF Engineering Brigade to support the initial works.
Awuye said the district would continue working with relevant authorities and prepare the necessary documentation as efforts continue to secure the remaining funding required for the project.
Kinkiizi West MP James Kaberuka, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, linked the development of health infrastructure to the need for greater public awareness.
He called for more health education so that residents can better understand diseases, their prevention and available health services.
Kaberuka also urged leaders to maintain communication with communities when implementing government projects, saying public engagement can help residents understand developments and address misinformation surrounding government programs.
District Vice Chairperson Joshua Rukundo asked Kaberuka to continue following up with the Ministry of Health to help secure the funds needed to complete the project.
Rukundo also used the gathering to raise concerns about alcohol abuse and road safety, which he said are contributing to deaths in the Kigezi sub-region.
Kihihi Town Council Mayor Rogers Tumwesigye welcomed the investment in the health centre and credited Kaberuka and other leaders for their efforts in supporting the project.
Tumwesigye called on local leaders to monitor the construction process closely to ensure accountability and proper use of public resources.
The UPDF Engineering Brigade is responsible for the construction work.
Captain Yunus Ntegeka, representing the brigade, said the team was committed to delivering the facility within the planned timeframe and maintaining the required construction standards.
He also asked authorities to ensure that the outstanding funds are made available on time to prevent interruptions to the works.
Once completed, the facility is expected to increase the space available for maternal and other health services at Kihihi Health Centre IV, which serves residents of Kihihi Town Council and neighbouring areas.