Residents of Bunyangabu District are set to benefit from improved maternal healthcare services after the area Member of Parliament, Victor Kalenzi, donated four ultrasound scanners to health facilities across the district to support expectant mothers. This was at the handover of one of the machines in Rwimi, and our reporter has the details.

Bunyangabu District, one of Uganda's youngest districts carved out of Kabarole District nine years ago, has received a major boost in maternal healthcare services.

The newly elected area Member of Parliament, Victor Kalenzi, together with FIN University, donated four ultrasound scanners to health facilities in the district to improve access to antenatal services and reduce the burden on expectant mothers who have been traveling long distances for scans.

Speaking during the handover of one of the machines in Rwimi, Kalenzi said the initiative is aimed at reducing maternal complications and improving healthcare outcomes for pregnant women.

He added that the district leadership is already working on plans to recruit radiographers and sonographers to operate the machines.

Kalenzi further explained that the scanners will be distributed strategically to serve communities across the district.

The Woman Member of Parliament for Bunyangabu District, Sarah Kabarokore Adyeeri, confirmed that although the district has received the equipment, there is still a shortage of skilled personnel to operate the machines. She, however, said efforts are underway to engage specialists as the district prepares to recruit permanent staff.

Kabarokore thanked the area MP for responding to one of the biggest healthcare challenges facing women in the district.

The District Health Officer, Dr. Richard Obety, said Bunyangabu previously had only one ultrasound scanner, which had also been donated by Kalenzi, forcing many patients to travel to Kibito for the service.

Dr. Obety noted that congestion at Kibito Health Centre had caused delays in accessing scans, with some expectant mothers missing important examinations, a situation that contributed to maternal health complications.

Residents welcomed the donation, describing it as a timely intervention. One of the beneficiaries, Kamigabe Grace, said expectant mothers had previously traveled to either Kasese or Fort Portal City for ultrasound services, a journey that was both costly and inconvenient.

Rwimi resident Murungi George commended the MP for fulfilling his campaign pledge within a short time after assuming office.

Although the district is yet to recruit the specialists required to operate the equipment, Kalenzi assured residents that the process of recruiting radiographers and sonographers would begin soon.

According to the MP, one scanner will serve the greater Rwimi area, another will be stationed in Kabonero to serve Kibito and neighboring sub-counties, while another machine will be based in Buhesi to cater to surrounding communities.

Health leaders in Bunyangabu believe the new scanners will significantly reduce referrals and improve maternal healthcare services across the district.