KAMPALA — The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has called for increased investment in public health, warning that inadequate funding, rapid urbanisation and the growing demand for healthcare services are placing significant pressure on the city's health system.
Speaking during an interview on NBS Television, KCCA Director of Public Health Dr Zalwango said the authority is prioritising disease prevention, stronger health systems and improved emergency preparedness to protect Kampala's growing population.
"Our priority is to ensure that every resident has access to quality healthcare services while strengthening our capacity to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks," Dr Zalwango said.
"This calls for adequate funding, collaboration with communities, and continued public trust in scientifically backed health information."
KCCA manages a network of public health facilities across the city, including Kisenyi Health Centre IV, Kawaala Health Centre III, Kisugu Health Centre III, Komamboga Health Centre III and Kitebi Health Centre III. The facilities provide maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, HIV/AIDS services, treatment for communicable diseases and general outpatient care.
Despite these services, Dr Zalwango said the authority continues to face several operational challenges, including limited funding, increasing patient numbers, shortages of healthcare workers, pressure on medical infrastructure and the spread of misinformation that discourages communities from participating in vaccination and disease prevention programmes.
He said investing in disease prevention remains more cost-effective than treating illness and urged residents to maintain proper hygiene, seek medical care promptly when ill, participate in immunisation programmes and rely on verified information from qualified health professionals and government agencies.
Dr Zalwango also underscored the need to ensure equitable access to healthcare, noting that vulnerable communities often face greater barriers in accessing essential services.
He said KCCA remains committed to expanding preventive healthcare programmes, strengthening maternal and child health services and improving access to quality healthcare across the city.
Looking ahead, Dr Zalwango called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, development partners, healthcare workers and local communities to improve Kampala's preparedness for future public health emergencies.
"Our success in protecting public health depends on collective responsibility. Government, health workers, community leaders, the media, and every citizen all have a role to play in building a healthier Kampala," he said.
The appeal comes as Kampala continues to experience rapid population growth and urbanisation, increasing demand for healthcare services and reinforcing the need for sustained investment in public health infrastructure, disease surveillance and community health education.
