By Eric Yiga
Midwives at Kyaali Health Center III, located in Kyaali Parish, Mpigi Town Council, Mpigi District, are facing a serious crisis due to a severe lack of essential maternity equipment. This shortage has forced many expectant mothers to travel long distances in search of better healthcare services.
In response to the situation, the Rotary Club of Sonde recently visited the facility to assess its needs. During the visit, midwife Annet Nakivumbi led the tour of the maternity ward, antenatal care ward, and the ART (HIV treatment) clinic—highlighting the dire shortage of medical equipment throughout the center.
In an interview, Nakivumbi explained that the lack of equipment and space has significantly affected service delivery, resulting in a sharp decline in the number of women seeking maternal care at the center. Many now opt to go to Mpigi Hospital instead.
She outlined several challenges the facility is facing. “We only have one building, which serves multiple purposes: it’s where mothers give birth, where HIV patients receive treatment, and where we store medical supplies. This setup not only compromises patient privacy but also affects the quality of care,” she said.
Nakivumbi emphasized the need for a separate maternity building, which would allow proper sterilization of instruments and create a safer environment for mothers and babies. “We lack delivery beds, functioning continental beds, lockers, foot stands, grip stands, and even basic items like drums for sterilizing instruments. Our oxygen concentrators and tubes are also missing or broken,” she added.
Diana Kagere, who coordinates projects and development for the Rotary Club of Sonde, confirmed that maternal and child health has long been a priority area for the club. “We’ve been assigned Kyaali Health Center III as a key focus point. This ward was initially supported by Rotary Clubs in Nyenga, and now we’ve taken up the responsibility to upgrade it further,” she said.
Kagere explained that after conducting an assessment, they discovered urgent needs: more beds, medical equipment like ultrasound machines, and better facilities for preterm babies. “We’ve already secured some partners to support this project. We aim to provide the equipment and infrastructure necessary for health workers to better serve this community and improve maternal and child health outcomes,” she noted.
She added that the Rotary Club also plans to fund the expansion of the maternity ward, enabling the facility to accommodate more mothers at any given time. “Preterm babies require specialized care, so we’re looking at upgrading the nursery too. The entire facility needs renovations to improve both function and appearance,” Kagere stated.
Christine Alupo, President of the Rotary Club of Sonde, stressed the importance of both short-term and long-term interventions. “In the short term, we need to address critical hygiene issues. There are no toilets or bathrooms within the maternity ward, which poses serious health risks for mothers and newborns,” she said.
Alupo highlighted the urgent need for basic equipment, including blood pressure monitors and maternity beds. “The facility is overcrowded, and the available equipment is inadequate for the growing population. That’s why we are planning a three-year phased intervention—working with experts and partners to ensure sustainable impact,” she explained.
District Governor Geoffrey Kitakule emphasized the broader impact of poor maternal health services on community development. “When preventable diseases go unchecked, it affects people’s productivity, education, and economic empowerment. By improving maternal and child health, we’re laying the foundation for healthier, more productive citizens,” he said.
Governor Kitakule also pointed out that Rotary’s community involvement is designed to create lasting change. “Our goal is to make a meaningful impact in communities like Bujjo by addressing urgent health needs and helping those who need it most.”
Meanwhile, local residents voiced additional concerns, citing the lack of reliable electricity and access to medical scans as ongoing challenges at Kyaali Health Center III.
