By Johnson Kanyesige
Residents of Bombo Sub County in Hoima are grappling with a deepening health crisis due to the lack of a public health facility in the area. The sub-county, carved out of Kigorobya in 2019, is home to over 5,000 people but remains without even a single health centre.
Residents are currently forced to trek distances ranging from 15 to 20 kilometers to access medical services at either Kigorobya Health Centre IV or Buseruka Health Centre III.
Local leaders and residents are now urging the government to prioritize the construction of a health facility to meet the growing healthcare needs of the sub-county.
Grace Katusiime, a resident of Marongo village, says expectant mothers are particularly affected, often walking long distances for antenatal and delivery services. She warns that many are turning to Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), putting their lives at risk.
Sharlot Atuhairwe, from Nyakasandara, questioned why the government has not yet intervened despite the area’s growing population.
Beatrace Basemera, a resident of Nyabitoti, noted that the burden has now shifted to Kigorobya Health Centre IV, which serves over six sub-counties, causing frequent drug stockouts.
Emmanuel Adriko, the LC3 Chairperson for Bombo Sub County, said the sub-county lacks the financial resources to construct a health facility on its own.
He appealed to the central government and development partners to intervene, especially to safeguard the lives of expectant mothers.
Felix Ongirwoth, the LC5 Councilor for Bombo Sub County, emphasized that the absence of a health facility is escalating maternal and child mortality rates and increasing healthcare costs for residents.
David Karubanga, the area Member of Parliament for Kigorobya County, acknowledged the growing concern and revealed that leaders are engaging the Ministry of Health to secure a Health Centre III for the sub-county.
