By Shivan Ayebare
Health facilities in Rubanda District are struggling with patient congestion, shortages of beds and essential medicines, and staff absenteeism despite ongoing government investment in the health sector.
A 39-page community monitoring report identifies Rubanda District Hospital, Hamurwa Health Centre IV and Bufundi Health Centre III among the most affected facilities, with patients reporting long waiting hours.
The report was prepared by Kigezi Orphans and Vulnerable Children Living with HIV/AIDS (KADOLHA), in partnership with Mayanja Memorial Hospital Foundation and TASO Uganda, under a Global Fund-supported project.
It covers 10 health facilities monitored between June and September 2026 and was presented to district officials and health workers at Rubanda District Headquarters.
KADOLHA team leader Amos Tugumisirize said congestion was affecting service delivery, particularly at facilities experiencing shortages of medicines for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
At Bufundi Health Centre III, facility in-charge Maurice Ruhangariyo confirmed that some patients were sleeping on the floor because of inadequate beds in the maternity ward.
Rubanda District Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Ahabwe attributed part of the congestion to patients travelling from neighbouring districts, including Kanungu and Kisoro, to access services unavailable at facilities closer to their homes.
“I even believe that we are serving people from neighbouring countries, the DRC and Rwanda,” Ahabwe said.
The report also cited absenteeism and late reporting among health workers, particularly at Health Centre II and Health Centre III facilities.
District Health Officer Dr David Mpola Mpola called for closer supervision, while Assistant Resident District Commissioner Hillary Bindeeba announced plans for unannounced inspections to investigate the complaints.
District Secretary for Health and Education Obed Mutatiina Kitabutuuka said health workers must improve their performance, particularly following government salary enhancements.
The findings come amid government efforts to expand health services in Rubanda.
Rubanda District Hospital, upgraded from Health Centre IV status, received an allocation of up to Shs18.5 billion for infrastructure, specialist recruitment and other requirements. The hospital began operating in July 2025.
District LC5 Chairman Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba said monthly Caesarean section deliveries had increased from 45 in the 2024/2025 financial year to 95 by October 2026.
Hamurwa Health Centre IV has received Shs500 million and medical equipment from the Bank of Uganda, while construction is underway to upgrade Bufundi Health Centre III to Health Centre IV status.
However, delays in construction and shortages of staff, medicines and beds continue to affect services, leaving district authorities under pressure to match infrastructure investment with the growing demand for healthcare.
