Residents of the remote islands on Lake Wamala in Mityana District are appealing to authorities to address what they describe as a growing healthcare crisis, saying the absence of nearby health facilities is putting lives at risk.
The islanders, who rely on fishing and small-scale farming, report having to travel long distances by boat and then navigate poor road networks to reach the nearest health centres.
These delays, they note, often result in extreme pain, worsening illnesses, and, in some cases, life-threatening complications before medical help can be accessed.
“When a child falls sick at night, we have to wait until morning and then find a boat to cross to the mainland. By the time we reach a hospital, the situation is often critical,” said Florence Nakibuka, a resident of Mabbo Island.
Health officials say the problem is compounded by limited transport infrastructure and the lack of health facilities on the islands.
Florence Zawedde, the head of immunisation in Mityana District, explained that reaching island communities remains one of the toughest challenges for healthcare providers.
“Our health workers face enormous difficulties delivering services here. We have to plan extensively, use boats, and sometimes cancel visits due to bad weather,” Zawedde said.
“The remoteness of these islands means residents are left vulnerable, especially during emergencies.”
According to Zawedde, mobile outreach programs have helped to some extent, particularly in delivering vaccines, but they are not enough to meet the broader healthcare needs of the islanders.
She called for permanent health posts and better transport facilities to ensure that essential services such as maternal care, emergency response, and chronic disease treatment are accessible year-round.
Community leaders are urging the government and development partners to prioritize healthcare investment in the Lake Wamala islands, warning that without action, preventable deaths will continue to rise.
