Malongo Health Centre III is racing against time to secure Shs 120 million for land acquisition, a crucial step toward constructing an operation theatre to serve the hard-to-reach sub-county of Malongo.
For years, the facility has struggled with space limitations, preventing the expansion of essential healthcare infrastructure. The situation has now reached a critical point, as Uganda Health Activities has pledged to donate an operation theatre and a doctors’ house.
However, without land, these donations may not materialize.
Jacob Makula, the facility’s in-charge, emphasised the urgency of the matter. “Many patients are forced to travel long distances for surgical procedures. Without a theatre, service delivery in our community remains inadequate,” he explained.
The need for expansion has been met with legal and financial roadblocks. Joy Namujju, the Programs Director at Fountain of African Initiative International, a key implementing partner, warned that delays in acquiring land could lead to donor support being withdrawn. “We have launched fundraising efforts, but if we don’t secure the land soon, the community will continue to suffer,” she said.
Adding to the challenge is a legal hurdle, as Malongo Health Centre III is located in an area where land titles cannot be issued. Mayuge District Health Officer Betty Kawala called for government intervention.
“We urge authorities to degazette the area to allow formal ownership of land meant for government projects,” she stated.
Hajji Iddi Isabirye, the Bunya South legislator, urged local landowners to embrace the spirit of their forefathers, who willingly donated land for community projects.
“The habit of inflating land prices whenever a government project emerges has hindered development,” he said, appealing for landowners’ cooperation.
The fundraising drive, presided over by Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, raised Shs 60 million—half of the required amount. Dr. Baryomunsi pledged to present the degazettement issue to the cabinet while also urging MP Isabirye to negotiate with landowners to allow construction to commence before full payment is secured.
Malongo Health Centre III serves a catchment area of more than 100,000 people in Mayuge District and the neighbouring Buvuma District.