The commissioning of a newly constructed surgical theatre at Nambieso Health Centre III in Kwania District has been delayed for more than a year due to the lack of essential medical equipment.
The theatre was constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade under a government program to improve access to surgical services in underserved areas. Construction began in August 2024 and was expected to be completed within eight months, but the project was delayed by five months before it was finalized last year.
Eng. Kizito Mulwana, who oversees UPDF Engineering Brigade projects in Northern Uganda, said the construction work was completed and handed over internally, leaving the district responsible for working with the Ministry of Health to equip the facility before its official commissioning.Kizito explained that the theatre cannot be commissioned or opened for use until it is fitted with essential medical equipment required to carry out surgical procedures.
Kwania District Health Officer, Dr. David Okino, confirmed that construction of the theatre was complete but said the district is still waiting for the Ministry of Health to provide the required equipment.According to Okino, the district has already written to the ministry requesting the equipment and is awaiting a response.
When contacted, the Ministry of Health’s spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyona declined to comment, saying he needed to consult before and get a clear update.The delay means residents of Nambieso and neighboring communities will continue travelling long distances to access surgical services, despite having a completed theatre that remains idle because it lacks the necessary equipment. URN