The Ministry of Health has officially commissioned Kakira Health Centre IV in Jinja District, marking a significant milestone in improving access to quality healthcare services for residents of Butembe Constituency.
The facility, which previously operated as a Health Centre III, has been elevated to Health Centre IV status following the construction of modern infrastructure funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The upgrade aligns with the government’s policy of ensuring every constituency has at least one fully functional Health Centre IV.
For years, Kakira Town Council—one of the largest urban centres in Jinja District—has grappled with inadequate healthcare services. The absence of a Health Centre IV forced residents to travel long distances to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital and other facilities to access specialised medical care, often resulting in delayed treatment and preventable deaths.
The transformation of the health facility followed lobbying efforts by former Jinja District Woman Member of Parliament Loy Katali, who mobilised support from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The church financed and constructed critical infrastructure required for the upgrade, including a modern operating theatre, maternity ward, outpatient department, medical stores, improved sanitation facilities, a reliable water supply system, a standby generator and a medical waste incinerator.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by the Commissioner for Maternal and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr Charles Mugahi, who represented the Minister of Health, Dr Chris Baryomunsi.
Dr Mugahi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems across the country and improving access to essential health services.
“This upgrade is a major step in bringing essential and emergency medical services closer to the people of Butembe. Government remains committed to ensuring that such facilities are not only constructed but fully equipped and staffed to deliver quality healthcare,” Dr Mugahi said.
The Officer-in-Charge of Kakira Health Centre IV, Anthony Tuliraba, welcomed the upgrade but appealed for additional support to match the growing healthcare demands of the area’s expanding population.
“We are grateful for this upgrade, but the population we serve is expanding rapidly. We appeal to the Ministry to consider further elevation of this facility and provide more specialised personnel to meet the increasing healthcare needs,” Tuliraba said.
Jinja District Chairperson Moses Batwala commended former Woman MP Loy Katali for her persistence in ensuring the project became a reality despite no longer serving in public office.
“This facility stands as a testament to visionary leadership. We appreciate Hon. Katali for laying the groundwork for this transformation. As a district, we are committed to ensuring that the health centre is fully functional and beneficial to our people,” Batwala said.
Batwala also directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to prioritise the deployment of specialised medical personnel to the newly upgraded facility.
“I am directing the CAO to work closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that specialists are deployed here so that residents can access comprehensive services without travelling long distances,” he added.
Former Jinja District Woman MP Loy Katali reflected on the challenges encountered during the implementation of the project, saying persistence had eventually yielded positive results for the community.
“Some people doubted and even opposed these efforts, but today we see the results. This facility proves that persistence and commitment to service can transform communities,” Katali said.
Charles Palasi, representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called on government to ensure the upgraded facility is fully operational by providing the necessary equipment and personnel.
“We are proud to partner in this development, but infrastructure alone is not enough. It is important that the government equips this facility and provides adequate staffing so that it serves its intended purpose effectively,” Palasi said.
Officially commissioning the facility, Dr Mugahi assured residents that government would fast-track its operationalisation by providing the required resources.
“The Ministry will ensure that essential medical equipment, theatre personnel and Primary Health Care funds are provided to make this Health Centre IV fully functional in the shortest time possible,” he said.
The commissioning of Kakira Health Centre IV is expected to significantly reduce pressure on Jinja Regional Referral Hospital while improving access to maternal, surgical and emergency healthcare services for residents of Jinja District and neighbouring areas.
