Concerns raised over lack of water, electricity for Kitagwenda mortuary

The mortuary at Ntara Health Centre IV in Kitagwenda District  is currently facing severe challenges, operating without essential resources such as a steady water supply and electricity.

These issues have hampered the work of the mortuary staff and created additional burdens for grieving families seeking dignified care for their loved ones.

The facility’s mortician, Moses Twinomujuni, described the daily difficulties he encounters.

"I need six 20-liter jerrycans of water to prepare each body, but without an on-site water source, I often have to request money from the deceased’s family to hire someone to fetch water from a borehole 200 meters away," he explained.

The absence of electricity adds further hardship, especially at night.

"Without lights, I rely on a torch, or sometimes I have to wait until daylight to continue my work," Twinomujuni shared.

The Assistant District Health Officer (ADHO) responsible for sanitation, Johnson Musinguzi, told the Nile Post in an interview that water was extended to the main health center.

However, he emphasized that it is now up to the facility leadership to ensure it reaches the mortuary as well.

"As the district, we extended water to the health facility and now its their responsibility to extend this the water to the mortuary."

In charge at Ntara Health Centre IV, Sebastian Batsigaire acknowledged the limitations, explaining that water and electricity connections were not included in the original budget due to financial constraints.

However , he said that plans to extend these serves are already in process.

“We understand the problem, but limited funding made it difficult to cover these utilities initially. We hope this shall be resolved soon."

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Kitagwenda, Joanitah Nakityo, confirmed that plans are underway to connect the mortuary to a nearby gravity water project.

"The Western Umbrella project is extending water to this area, and the mortuary is a priority," Nakityo assured.

With these plans progressing, the people of Kitagwenda hope for a swift resolution to restore essential services at the mortuary, enabling staff to carry out their work with dignity and relieving families during a challenging time.