NAPAK — A deepening crisis in Napak District’s health and education sectors has sparked growing concern among health workers, civil society organisations, and local leaders, following revelations made during a public accountability dialogue organised by Action for Development of Local Communities (ADOL).
The meeting, held under the Democratic Accountability, Civic Engagement and Rights in Karamoja (DACER) project, exposed chronic drug shortages, severe understaffing, and collapsing infrastructure in health facilities, as well as dire conditions in schools.
Abraham Teko, a community mobilizer with ADOL, cited Nakichumet and Lokiteded Health Centres as particularly overwhelmed and under-equipped.
“These facilities serve hundreds of patients every month but lack basic utilities like running water and electricity,” he said.
Hellen Korobe, the district’s Medicine Management Supervisor, described the worsening drug stockouts, noting that many facilities routinely borrow medicine from Moroto Regional Referral Hospital or nearby health centres.
But even that solution has its limits.
“We try to help, but sometimes we just have to refer patients to drug shops or clinics because we have nothing to give,” Korobe admitted, adding that many residents cannot afford private alternatives.
According to a survey conducted by ADOL as part of the DACER project—funded by the Royal Danish Embassy, the Embassy of Ireland, the Embassy of Sweden, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands—Napak’s health centres are operating well above their intended capacity.
Overcrowding, limited medical supplies, and staff shortages have become routine.
Gabriel Okello, Head of Programs at ADOL, emphasized that the goal of the DACER project is to strengthen both citizen engagement and public sector accountability.
"We aim to build the capacity of citizens to demand their rights and ensure that duty bearers are responsive to community needs,” Okello said.
The education sector is also buckling under strain. At Lokopo Primary School, children sit on bare classroom floors due to a lack of desks. Similar shortages of furniture and space were reported in several schools throughout the district.
Joyce Nakoya, the District Education Officer, called on development partners to support the purchase of desks to improve learning conditions.
“We cannot expect children to perform well when the most basic learning tools are unavailable,” she said.
During the meeting, local leaders issued a strong appeal to the central government for urgent action.
District Speaker John Bosco Agilu demanded that the Ministry of Health immediately address understaffing in rural health units.
“We cannot solve health challenges when one health centre is being manned by just one or two people. It’s unacceptable,” Agilu said.
Napak Resident District Commissioner Milton Odong, who attended the dialogue, commended ADOL for facilitating the platform and pledged to follow up on the issues raised.
“These gaps are real, and I will work with the relevant ministries to ensure they are bridged,” he said.
With civil society groups amplifying community concerns and government leaders making public commitments, residents of Napak are now waiting to see if words will be matched with action—before the situation deteriorates further.