Residents of Kyabakuza in Masaka are fuming over
the unfulfilled promise of a new health facility. A project initially budgeted
at 6 billion Ugandan shillings for the construction and upgrade of Kyabakuza
Health Center to a level four facility has stalled, leaving them with an
incomplete structure and limited healthcare options.
The project was launched in 2022 with the expectation of completion in 2023, was met with optimism by residents like Matia Lubalanga and Jane Mbabazzi. However, construction abruptly stopped, dashing their hopes for improved healthcare services. Now, they face long journeys to access proper medical care at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.
Dr. Patrick Kasendwa, the city health officer, confirms a mere 1 billion shillings out of the allocated funds were used. The remaining sum was shockingly returned to the national treasury, allegedly due to "political infighting" among Masaka's leaders.
MP Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba blames this turn of events on political turmoil, while city leaders point fingers at the city town clerk, Vincent Okrut, accusing him of negligence and absenteeism. Okrut vehemently denies these claims.
Disillusioned residents are calling for accountability and transparency from their leaders. Despite the setbacks, Dr. Kasendwa assures them the maternity ward will be operational next year, offering a sliver of hope for expectant mothers.
The stalled project in Kyabakuza exposes a larger issue of mismanagement and lack of ethical governance in Masaka. This raises serious concerns about the future of healthcare development in the region. The well-being of residents hangs in the balance, demanding a swift resolution and a commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources.
DO YOU HAVE STORY IN YOUR COMMUNITY PLEASE CONTACT OUR EDITORIAL TEAM 0784600360.EMAIL:voiceonemediaupdates@gmail.com.
