Sseryazi Herbert
Officials at Kawolo government hospital in Buikwe district have warned of a looming power cut over accumulated electricity bills.
During the launch of the mass vaccination exercise, the Buikwe district LC5 chairman, Jimmy Kanaabi said they have an outstanding bill of shs200 million, noting that officials from UMEME have since warned that in two weeks, the hospital will be cut off.
“The district and hospital authorities have already received the warning letter from UMEME, stating that in two weeks if we don't clear the bills they are going to cut off the power” Kanaabi Reported.
Regarding challenges faced by Kawolo hospital, such as utility bills and understaffing, the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwiine explained that the government is currently constrained by the decrease in revenue collection, which is affecting hospitals' funding in the country. but the ministry is working around the clock to sort the bill.
At the event, Dr. Atwiine, announced a decrease in under-five mortality rates in the country, attributing it to the ministry's prioritization of vaccination.
She implored Ugandans not to be misled by self centered people that the vaccine is not safe.
Dr. Atwiine stated that the ministry's consistent prioritization of vaccination has contributed to the decrease in under-five mortality rates.
Dumba Moses, the RDC of Kayunga district, reported that some schools in Kayunga were denying health workers access to schools, saying that he summoned the heads of the schools in the district.
“In Kayunga district, we have received issues where some school heads are stopping our health workers from vaccinating children, but as a district we have intervened by summoning them,” said Dumba.
Dr. Yonas Tegegn, the World Health Organization's representative to Uganda, urged all stakeholders such as politicians, village health teams to support the campaign's success. He also encouraged adults to participate in the vaccination campaign, as it is safe.
Meanwhile, the Buikwe district Woman Member of Parliament, Diana Mutasingwa, commended government for the yellow fever prevention campaign.
The Minister for Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, urged Ugandans to participate fully in the vaccination campaign, emphasizing that Uganda aims to be yellow fever-free by 2026. Dr. Aceng also highlighted the importance of yellow fever vaccines.