In a significant contribution to community development, the Luuka Patriotic Association (LUPA), led by its patron Dr. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira, has constructed eight modern staff housing units at Kiyunga Health Centre IV in Luuka District.
The project, valued at Shs 350 million, aims to address the critical shortage of accommodation for medical staff and enhance health service delivery in the region.
The double self-contained housing units, fully funded by Dr. Lubega—who is also the First Deputy Prime Minister and National Chairperson of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC)—were officially handed over to Kiyunga Health Centre IV’s management in a ceremony attended by key political and civic leaders.
Luuka South MP Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo officiated on behalf of Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, who was otherwise engaged.
In her message, read by Hon. Bakubalwayo, Dr. Aceng praised Dr. Lubega for his commitment to community-driven development and improving healthcare infrastructure.
"Dr. Lubega is a shining example of responsible citizenship. His contribution lays a vital foundation for accessible and quality healthcare in Uganda," she said. She encouraged Luuka residents to support such visionary projects for the betterment of the district.
Dr. Lubega, a native of Luuka and founder of the Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals, shared that the initiative was sparked by a visit to Kiyunga Health Centre IV, where District Councillor Cissy Mirembe had shown him a photo of a deteriorating staff house occupied by a doctor. Moved by the image, Dr. Lubega vowed to take immediate action.
“This is just one of many initiatives I’ve undertaken for my people," he said, highlighting his previous contributions, including providing banana suckers to sub-counties, offering welding machines to youth, and supporting educational and religious projects.
He urged other well-off natives of Luuka to return to their roots and invest in their communities, stating, “You don’t have to be in politics to serve. If you have the means, come back home and build something lasting.”
Dr. Lubega also reaffirmed his political support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and his commitment to local politics. He advised the youth to avoid being manipulated by divisive rhetoric, stating, “Politics should be about ideas, not insults.”
In addition to the housing project, the ceremony featured speeches from other dignitaries. Luuka North MP Eng. Luke Kyobe Inyensiko announced that the government would soon begin the long-anticipated tarmacking of the Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli road, which will improve access to healthcare and other essential services.
Annet Nabirye, Chairperson of the Luuka District Women’s League, called for unity among residents to drive development, while Luuka District Chairperson Simon Wakaze urged the Ministry of Health to address leadership gaps at Kiyunga Health Centre IV to improve service delivery.
LUPA Chairperson Gideon Mwase also highlighted the association's broader development efforts, which include Shs 1.5 billion in community-focused projects. These initiatives encompass Shs 900 million in education bursaries, Shs 200 million in school infrastructure, Shs 50 million for agricultural support, and Shs 12 million for youth empowerment.
The newly constructed staff quarters are expected to improve staff retention, response times, and overall healthcare services at Kiyunga Health Centre IV. This development represents a major step in the district’s grassroots-led transformation and demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives in enhancing public service delivery in rural Uganda.