Kitagwenda District Chairperson Ephrance Kenyonyozi has renewed her appeal to the Ministry of Health to urgently upgrade Ntara Health Centre IV into a district hospital, saying the move would significantly improve access to specialised healthcare services for residents.
Kenyonyozi said Ntara Health Centre IV remains the highest-level public health facility in the district despite serving a rapidly growing population. However, she noted that the facility lacks the capacity to provide a wide range of specialised medical services required by patients.
“Our district has only one Health Centre IV as the highest government health facility, yet it provides limited services. We urgently need Ntara Health Centre IV to be upgraded to a district hospital so that our people can access specialised treatment without travelling long distances,” Kenyonyozi told Nile Post.
She said the absence of a district hospital continues to affect healthcare delivery, with many patients being referred to facilities outside the district for treatment that could otherwise be provided locally.
“The continued lack of adequate health infrastructure is slowing the district’s development and affecting the wellbeing of our people. Access to quality healthcare is a basic service that every resident deserves,” she said.
Kenyonyozi further expressed concern over maternal and child health outcomes in the district, arguing that delays in accessing specialised care have exposed expectant mothers and critically ill patients to avoidable risks.
“We have witnessed painful incidents, including the death of an expectant mother and her unborn child, which highlighted the serious challenges our residents face in accessing timely and quality healthcare. Such tragedies remind us why we urgently need a district hospital,” she added.
According to the district chairperson, upgrading Ntara Health Centre IV would reduce referrals to neighbouring districts, ease pressure on surrounding hospitals and improve emergency response within Kitagwenda.
“If Ntara is elevated to a district hospital, many referrals will be handled within the district. This will reduce transport costs for families, improve emergency care and bring essential health services closer to our communities,” Kenyonyozi said.
Kitagwenda District, which was created in 2019 after being carved out of Kamwenge District, remains among the few districts in Uganda without a district hospital.
Before attaining district status, residents relied on Rukunyu Hospital in Kamwenge District for advanced medical care. Currently, patients requiring specialised treatment are referred to facilities outside Kitagwenda, including Rukunyu Hospital, Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Ibanda General Hospital and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
District leaders say the continued referrals increase healthcare costs for families and delay access to life-saving treatment, especially during emergencies.
They remain optimistic that the Ministry of Health will respond positively to their appeal, arguing that establishing a district hospital would strengthen healthcare delivery, improve maternal and child health outcomes and ensure residents receive comprehensive medical services closer to their homes.