By BM
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has pledged urgent government intervention to address health infrastructure challenges in Mukono and Kayunga districts following an impromptu inspection of health facilities that revealed overcrowding and limited resources.
The Prime Minister’s visit came on the directive of President Yoweri Museveni, who was responding to a report by Galaxy TV journalist David Mwesigwa.
During a press briefing at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Lweza, Mwesigwa highlighted dire conditions at Mukono Hospital, including mothers giving birth on the floor and a non-functional oxygen plant at Kayunga General Hospital.
During her visit, Nabbanja toured Mukono District Hospital and Kayunga General Hospital, accompanied by Dr. Kyabayinze from the Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Primary Health Care.
In Mukono, she was met with scenes of expectant and new mothers lying on the floor, both inside and outside the facility, due to limited bed capacity.
“I have witnessed firsthand the pressure our health workers are facing. They are committed and doing their best, but the infrastructure here cannot support the growing number of patients,” Nabbanja said, after inspecting the labor ward where both natural and cesarean births were taking place in cramped conditions.
She acknowledged that Mukono Hospital, which was recently elevated from a Health Centre IV to a district hospital, was never structurally upgraded to match its new status. The facility currently has only four delivery beds.
“This is not just a health issue—it’s a planning issue. We need to urgently expand the hospital, increase equipment, and provide more beds,” Nabbanja said.
The Prime Minister also handed out financial support to a few patients in what she described as a gesture of compassion.
However, Nabbanja did not shy away from political criticism. She accused some opposition leaders in the district, specifically without naming them directly, of failing to engage with the government to secure development for their constituents.
Mukono Municipality is represented by opposition MP Betty Nambooze of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
“The people of Mukono must reflect on the kind of leaders they choose—leaders who make noise on TV and radio but do not connect with government to bring services to the people,” Nabbanja said.
In contrast, her visit to Kayunga General Hospital painted a different picture. Contrary to the journalist’s claims, the facility was found to be in functional condition, with available beds and an active oxygen plant.
Hospital administrators reported that they produce over 61,500 liters of oxygen per month, some of which is shared with other regional hospitals like Jinja, Kamuli, and Yumbe.
Minister of State for Finance Amos Lugoloobi, who was also present, accused the journalist of misleading the President and wasting government resources.
Nabbanja sarcastically echoed the sentiment and requested police to obtain a formal statement and apology from the journalist.
Nonetheless, she admitted that the concerns raised about Mukono Hospital were valid and emphasized the need for serious attention.
Going forward, the Prime Minister said she would write a formal report to President Museveni recommending immediate intervention for Mukono Hospital.
She also used the platform to call on voters in both districts to support NRM-aligned leaders who “can effectively lobby and connect with the government” for service delivery.
“The NRM has a vision and we will continue to work for the people. President Museveni is not going anywhere soon. He will retire at 90,” Nabbanja added.
Her visit left many hopeful that long-overdue improvements might finally come to health facilities in the region.
