Sikuda Health Center, which serves thousands of residents in the rural community, has been impacted by a series of thefts in recent weeks. It is reported that the health facility has lost all its handwashing stations to unknown thieves, and at least one patient admitted to the center was robbed of money by thugs during the night.

This has created insecurity among health workers, who are now calling for government intervention.

In interviews with residents such as Salume Naika, Fred Bwire, and Among Osilah, many expressed concern over the situation, citing that the health facility, which houses expensive medical equipment, is located in an open area. They have appealed to the government to build a fence around the facility to enhance security.

Otiya Amuku Francis, the Chairman of the Health Unit Management Committee (HUMC) at Sikuda Health Center III, says they have attempted to deploy a security guard, but their efforts have been limited due to the facility's location in an open area along the main road.

(Last month we registered a case of theft but his office worked with the village chairman and arrested a thug who had stolen money from an expectant mother who was in labor pain.)

Dr. Mathias Wabwire Panyako, the Busia District Health Officer, stated that the district has 14 Health Center IIIs, but currently, there is no budget allocated for restructuring the hospital.

A medic at Sikuda Health Center III, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the facility has lost all its equipment to unknown thieves.

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