The prolonged delay in reopening Kilembe Mines Hospital in Kasese District, which was washed away by floods, is significantly impacting the residents and has drawn the attention of Parliament.
In February 2023, the government issued instructions to halt all financial assistance to the hospital. This directive was conveyed by Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng in a letter to the Chairperson of the Health Committee.
The decision was prompted by the hospital’s vulnerability to flooding in the River Nyamwamba catchment area, which has resulted in repeated damage to the property, notably in May 01, 2013, May 05, 2014, and most recently on May 07 and May 10, 2020.
During a meeting of the Committee on Government Assurance and Implementation held at Kilembe hospital with district and hospital officials on Friday, 06 April 2024, stakeholders expressed frustration over the delay in operationalizing the hospital.
Edson Kambere, an engineer from Kilembe Mines, underscored the availability of land for the hospital’s reconstruction, stating that the necessary arrangements were made but communication from the Ministry of Health has been inadequate.
Richard Bomera, the LC3 Chairperson of Bulembia Division, provided detailed accounts of the efforts made to secure government support for the hospital.
He highlighted challenges faced due to disruptions in the supply of medicines and the diversion of funds meant for Kilembe Mines Hospital to other facilities. He stated that a Parliament resolution calling for the hospital’s operation over two years ago has never been honored.
“The people continued struggling; none of the health facilities in the catchment of the six sub-counties received even a single tablet,” Richard Bomera said.
The Deputy Town Clerk, Zedekiah Kayiiri, reiterated administrative challenges regarding staffing and funding allocation, emphasizing the need for clarity and adherence to policies.
Members of Parliament, including Hon. Ferigo Kambale (NRM, Kasese Municipality), expressed disappointment over the Ministry of Health’s actions, labeling them as contemptuous of parliamentary decisions and detrimental to the healthcare needs of the community.
“The Ministry of Health’s move is purely aimed at closing the hospital,” Ferigo stated.
Political tensions were also highlighted, with accusations against top district leadership for allegedly undermining efforts to reinstate the hospital, possibly due to political rivalries.
An emotional Hon. Florence Kabugho, the Kasese District Woman MP, remarked on the challenging terrains of Kasese, making it difficult to access services.
“You come all the way from 17 kilometers deep from the mountain, and then when you reach Kilembe Mines Hospital, they tell you that this hospital is not working, go to Rukooki. If the river has flooded, where do you go?” She lamented.
Hon. Sylvia Tumwekwase, the District Woman MP for Kamwenge, added her concerns about the hospital closure. Drawing from her past involvement with an organization supporting the hospital through result-based financing, she emphasized the critical role Kilembe Hospital played in providing healthcare to a significant number of patients within the region.
Hon. Stephen Sserubula, the Lugazi Municipality MP, assured that Parliament would take necessary steps to reinstate the hospital.
The committee’s deputy chairperson, Hon. Joyce Bagala, affirmed that the committee’s role was to ensure the government’s promise to construct Kilembe Mines Hospital would be followed through.
She stated that when the committee reconvenes in Kampala, they would engage with the Ministry of Health to question them about the failure to open the hospital.
“We are committed to following up on this matter. Health matters concern us all, and working with all your Members of Parliament and others, we will ensure that you receive these services,” Bagala, also the Mityana District Woman MP, said.
The hospital, which once employed 82 staff, now has only 14, due to funding gaps.
