Officials at Bukerere Health Center II in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality, have raised concerns about the facility’s limited space, which has become a challenge, particularly for pregnant women seeking antenatal services. The center currently operates out of a single building where all services, including deliveries, are carried out, which compromises patient privacy and convenience.
Fred Nyanzi, the facility’s Second-in-Charge, explained that the health center serves over 100 people daily from more than 10 villages. Despite the high patient volume, fewer than eight women give birth at the facility each week. He noted that the lack of adequate space hinders their ability to properly accommodate patients.
To address this, residents initiated a construction project to build additional space for deliveries. However, due to financial constraints, they were unable to complete it. In response, the Rotary Club of Sonde stepped in to help complete the building, aiming to create a more suitable environment for childbirth and treatment.
Dr. Charles Olalo, Head of the Ministry of Health’s Department of Medical Services and President of the Rotary Club of Sonde, emphasized the importance of the fundraising efforts to support the completion of the facility. He noted that if the situation remains unchanged, many mothers may avoid the facility and turn to traditional birth attendants.
He pointed out that the facility currently offers essential services such as antenatal care, deliveries, ARRT, immunization, and family planning, despite its small size. “Our priority right now is to complete the floor, build the terrace, improve the washrooms, and add windows. Once we complete these tasks, the space can be used while we continue to raise funds to finish the rest,” said Dr. Olalo.
Connie Magomu Masaba, a leader in the project, shared that the total cost of the construction project is approximately 170 million shillings. The goal is to ensure that women can give birth in a safe and dignified environment, with the long-term vision of elevating the facility to a higher level of care. Ajay Kumar Pal, CEO of Quality Chemical Industries Limited, who represented Rotarian Emmanuel Katongole, also highlighted the importance of improving access to healthcare.
He noted that approximately 23,000 people die in Uganda each year due to healthcare access issues, including 19,000 infants. Pal pledged a contribution of 10 million shillings toward the completion of the project. “Rotary Club of Sonde is doing great work, and we are proud to support the cause. We hope others will join in and help bring this project to fruition, so it can serve all the mothers and patients in need of care,” said Kumar.
Joseph Epili, a survivor of an accident while trying to rescue a woman about to give birth in Omolo District, welcomed the initiative and urged the government to extend such programs to rural villages. To date, the Rotary Club of Sonde has donated 30 million shillings toward the completion of the Bukerere Health Center II.