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TESO UGANDA: The Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), His Royal Highness Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, has urged the Government of Uganda to upgrade Bukedea Health Centre IV (HCIV) to a district hospital, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and better access to quality health services in the region.
This appeal was made during a spot-check visit to the health facility on Wednesday afternoon, where Emorimor, accompanied by other ICU officials, assessed the state of service delivery and infrastructure at Bukedea HCIV.
During the visit, Dr. Julius Oselle, the Officer-in-Charge of Bukedea HCIV, appealed to Emorimor to leverage his influence and cultural authority to advocate for the facility’s elevation.
“We have leaders like the Speaker of Parliament pushing for this upgrade, but we also need a strong cultural voice to amplify the need,” said Dr. Oselle.
He explained that the facility, which serves hundreds of patients from Bukedea and neighboring districts each day, is hampered by outdated infrastructure dating back to the 1950s.
“The buildings are old, space is limited, and we lack modern equipment necessary for a facility at this level,” he added.
Dr. Oselle emphasized that attaining hospital status would enable the facility to secure better funding, attract more specialists, and effectively handle referrals from lower-level units.
In his remarks, Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot expressed concern over the challenges faced by both patients and health workers due to the facility’s current condition.
“The number of patients coming here is overwhelming, yet the infrastructure does not match the demand,” he stated.
“The government, through the Ministry of Health, should upgrade this facility to a district hospital so that people in this region can access comprehensive health services closer to home.”
He also praised the health workers for their dedication despite the difficult conditions, noting that a healthy and productive community is essential for the development of the Ateker people and the nation as a whole.
“Health is wealth. When people are healthy, they can work, educate their children, and grow economically,” Emorimor emphasized.
Her Royal Majesty Toto Akaliait, who accompanied Emorimor during the visit, encouraged the hospital administration to enhance record-keeping and internal coordination.
“While we seek greater support, let us also improve our internal organization. Harmonizing records is critical for accountability and efficiency,” she said.
The Emorimor’s appeal aligns with Uganda’s broader health policy framework, which aims to ensure equitable access to quality essential health services for all citizens, particularly in underserved areas.
Uganda’s National Health Policy underscores the importance of improving service delivery at decentralized levels and upgrading health infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population.
According to the Ministry of Health, Health Centre IVs like Bukedea are designed to operate as mini-hospitals, offering outpatient, inpatient, emergency, maternal, and minor surgical services.
However, many such facilities across the country face similar challenges—insufficient infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and limited medical supplies—which hinder their effectiveness.
Through its Health Sector Development Plan (HSDP) 2020/21–2024/25, the government committed to upgrading at least one health facility in each district to hospital status and improving the physical condition of existing facilities.
The plan also prioritizes collaboration with cultural and community leaders to strengthen advocacy and accountability in health service delivery.
Bukedea District leaders and residents have long called for the facility’s elevation, citing the pressing need for improved healthcare services in the area.
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