Residents and leaders in Rukiga district have joined forces to enhance the medical capabilities of one of the community centres, Kakatunda Health Centre 3. Caroline Muhwezi, the Rukiga District Woman MP and chairperson of the organizing committee contributed Ushs10 million to support the construction of the maternity ward.

Remegius Tibabigyemwa, who oversees the health facility, shared some of the challenges they are facing including the lack of important equipment like X-ray and scanning machines, as well as not having an ambulance. The maternity ward's limited space adds to their difficulties.

Located on the Kabale-Mbarara highway, Kakatunda Health Center III is in Muhanga Town Council in the Rukiga district. The Catholic Diocese of Kabale started this health facility to improve healthcare provision in the area. According to the caretaker of the facility Remegius Tibabigyemwa, the health centre serves around 10 patients needing X-ray services, 40 patients needing scans, and approximately 60 expectant mothers who give birth each month.

During a fundraising event at Kakatunda playground in Muhanga Town Council, Rukiga district, Tibabigyemwa highlighted some of these difficulties. The aim was to raise funds for an 80-bed maternity ward, an ambulance, and X-ray and scanning machines.  

Tibabigyemwa expressed that these challenges have led pregnant mothers and other patients to travel long distances to reach the Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for necessary services. This situation continues despite the health facility's strategic location along the Kabale-Mbarara road. The health centre attends to an average of over 100 patients daily, with a significant portion being accident victims.

Tibabigyemwa emphasized that despite its current 30-bed capacity, the health centre consistently sees an influx of 50 to 60 expectant mothers every month. Coupled with space limitations, the current building falls short of meeting the demand. He highlighted that the upcoming maternity building is designed for 80 beds, significantly enhancing its ability to serve the community's needs.

Rev. Fr. Byamukama John, the parish priest of Kakatunda Bukinda Catholic Parish, mentioned that they need a total of 207 million Ugandan Shillings to address these issues.

Kamusiime Caroline Muhwezi, the Rukiga District Woman MP and chairperson of the organizing committee, contributed Ushs10 million to support the construction of the maternity ward. Jacqueline Nkamushaba, the Muhanga Town Council LC5 Councilor, who represented the woman MP, highlighted that the facility's strategic location along the Kabale-Mbarara main road makes it an important centre for various travellers.

Rukiga County MP, Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, the chief guest of the event, made a contribution of Ushs5million and also provided a cow worth Ushs3.5 million. Ndyomugyenyi noted that due to the health facility's advantageous position, it attracts a considerable number of patients, including those needing tests and accident victims. He also encouraged people to prioritize regular medical check-ups for their overall well-being, even when they are not sick.

During the event, participants managed to collect an impressive amount, including over 60 million Ugandan Shillings and 17 bags of cement.