Kanungu District Faces Critical Healthcare Challenges Amidst Citizen-led report by CISBAG.
A recent citizen-led health monitoring report conducted by the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) has unveiled significant challenges in healthcare service delivery across *Kanungu District*. The report, which monitored *27 health centers* in the district, highlights critical issues ranging from staffing shortages to inadequate infrastructure and safety concerns. The monitoring exercise covered *eight districts*: *Yumbe, Adjumani, Madi Okollo, Abim, Nabilatuk, Budaka, Rubanda, andKanungu District Faces Critical Healthcare Challenges Amidst Citizen-Led Monitoring Report
A recent citizen-led health monitoring report conducted by the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) has unveiled significant challenges in healthcare service delivery across *Kanungu District*. The report, which monitored *27 health centers* in the district, highlights critical issues ranging from staffing shortages to inadequate infrastructure and safety concerns.
The monitoring exercise covered *eight districts*: *Yumbe, Adjumani, Madi Okollo, Abim, Nabilatuk, Budaka, Rubanda, and Kanungu*, with Kanungu emerging as a focal point for both progress and persistent challenges.
Kinaba Health Centre III
Staffing Shortages and Absenteeism
Kanungu District is grappling with severe staffing shortages, with health centers operating at only *40% of the required staffing levels*. The report indicates that out of *256 medical workers* on the payroll, only *148 were present** during the monitoring period, resulting in a *40% absenteeism rate*. This shortage is particularly acute in Health Centre IIIs, where only *44% are headed by Senior Clinical Officers*, as mandated by national standards. The remaining facilities are led by Clinical Officers and Assistant Nursing Officers, compromising the quality of care.
Budget Transparency and Medical Supplies
While Kanungu District showed commendable progress in budget transparency, with 41% of health centers displaying their FY2024/25 budgets, there were notable discrepancies in medical supply deliveries. Out of 26 health centers that received supplies, only 18 (67%) matched their requisitions, highlighting communication gaps between health facilities and the National Medical Stores (NMS).0
Infrastructure and Equipment Deficits
The report underscores significant infrastructure deficits in Kanungu District. Despite having the *highest number of maternity beds (179)* among the monitored districts, many health centers lack specialized beds for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Additionally, only *26% of health centers* have lightning conductors, and *74% lack functional fire extinguishers*, posing serious safety risks.
Kanyantorogo Health Centre III
Health Unit Management Committees (HUMCs)
Kanungu District performed well in terms of Health Unit Management Committees (HUMCs), with all *27 health centers* having functional committees. However, gender imbalance persists, with only *33% female representation* on these committees. HUMCs in Kanungu held quarterly meetings, ensuring oversight of health center operations and expenditures.
Ntungamo Health Centre III
WASH and PWD-Friendly Facilities
Kanungu District leads in water access, with all *27 health centers* having functional water sources. However, the district falls short in providing *PWD-friendly latrines*, with none of the health centers equipped with such facilities. This gap highlights the need for more inclusive infrastructure to cater to the needs of persons with disabilities.
Security and Land Tenure
Kanungu District has a high security guard coverage rate of *93%*, with *25 out of 27 health centers* having security personnel. However, land tenure remains a concern, with only *74% of health centers having land titles. Fencing coverage is also low at 48%,* leaving many facilities vulnerable to encroachment.
Matanda Health Centre III
Key Recommendations
The CSBAG report calls for urgent action to address these challenges. Key recommendations include:
1. Upgrading Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs: Expedite the upgrading process to improve healthcare accessibility.
2. Filling Staffing Gaps: Prioritize filling staffing gaps and reducing absenteeism, particularly in Health Centre IIIs and IVs.
3. Improving Infrastructure: Invest in gender-sensitive infrastructure, including PWD-friendly facilities and emergency equipment.
4. Enhancing Safety Measures : Allocate resources for fire extinguishers and lightning arresters to enhance safety in health facilities.
5. Securing Land Tenure : Expedite land title acquisition and fencing to prevent encroachment.
The findings from the CSBAG report underscore the urgent need for targeted investments and policy interventions to address the disparities in healthcare service delivery in Kanungu District. Addressing these gaps will not only improve the quality of care but also restore public confidence in the health system, advancing Uganda’s commitment to universal health coverage.
In response to this pressing situation, Mutambuzi Wycliff, the Executive Director of KACOERT, emphasized the importance of collaboration between local organizations and government bodies to implement the report’s recommendations effectively. This survey was done by KACOERT, Kanungu community efforts for rural transformation, a local organization in Kanungu in partnership with CSBAG.
List of Health Centers Monitored in Kanungu District:
1. Kanungu Health Center IV
2. Mazzolid Health Center II
3. Rugyeyo Health Center IV
4. Mpungu Health Center IV
5. Ntungamo Health Center III
6. Nyamirama Health Center III
7. Kirima Health Center III
8. Katete Health Center III
9. Mburameizi Health Center III
10. Bugongi Health Center III
11. Rutenga Health Center III
12. Mafuga Health Center II
13. Kinaba Health Center III
14. Kihihi Health Center IV
15. Bihomborwa Health Center II
16. Kihihi Prisons Health Center II
17. Kibimbiri Health Center II
18. Matanda Health Center III
19. Mishenyi Health Center II
20. Kihanda Health Center II
21. Rwere Health Center II
22. Kiringa Health Center II
23. Rubimbwa Health Center II
24. Kazuru Health Center II
25. Samaria Health Center II
26. Kayonza Health Center III
27. Karangara Health Center II
Contact:Â Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG)
P.O BOX 660, Ntinda | Plot 11 Vubyabirenge Close, Ntinda Nakawa Rd
Tel: +256 755202154 | Email: csbag@csbag.org | Website: www.csbag.org
Mission:Â Working towards ensuring that resource mobilization, allocation, and utilization is inclusive for a transformed Uganda.
Vision: A Uganda with a people-centered budget that dignifies humanity.
This survey was done by KACOERT, Kanungu community efforts for rural transformation, a local organization in Kanungu in partnership with CSBAG
This story has been extracted from a larger report covering eight districts (Yumbe, Adjumani, Madi Okollo, Abim, Nabilatuk, Budaka, Rubanda, and Kanungu) by the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG). The focus here is on Kanungu District, as compiled and adapted by: T. Mwajuma Twaha Adams
Communications Officer, Kanungu District Local Government
Kanungu*, with Kanungu emerging as a focal point for both progress and persistent challenges.
Kinaba Health Centre III
Staffing Shortages and Absenteeism
Kanungu District is grappling with severe staffing shortages, with health centers operating at only *40% of the required staffing levels*. The report indicates that out of *256 medical workers* on the payroll, only *148 were present** during the monitoring period, resulting in a *40% absenteeism rate*. This shortage is particularly acute in Health Centre IIIs, where only *44% are headed by Senior Clinical Officers*, as mandated by national standards. The remaining facilities are led by Clinical Officers and Assistant Nursing Officers, compromising the quality of care.
Kirima Health Centre III
Budget Transparency and Medical Supplies
While Kanungu District showed commendable progress in budget transparency, with 41% of health centers displaying their FY2024/25 budgets, there were notable discrepancies in medical supply deliveries. Out of 26 health centers that received supplies, only 18 (67%) matched their requisitions, highlighting communication gaps between health facilities and the National Medical Stores (NMS).0
Kirima Health Centre III team of medical Workers with the leaders
Infrastructure and Equipment Deficits
The report underscores significant infrastructure deficits in Kanungu District. Despite having the *highest number of maternity beds (179)* among the monitored districts, many health centers lack specialized beds for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Additionally, only *26% of health centers* have lightning conductors, and *74% lack functional fire extinguishers*, posing serious safety risks.
Kanyantorogo Health Centre III
Health Unit Management Committees (HUMCs)
Kanungu District performed well in terms of Health Unit Management Committees (HUMCs), with all *27 health centers* having functional committees. However, gender imbalance persists, with only *33% female representation* on these committees. HUMCs in Kanungu held quarterly meetings, ensuring oversight of health center operations and expenditures.
Ntungamo Health Centre III
WASH and PWD-Friendly Facilities
Kanungu District leads in water access, with all *27 health centers* having functional water sources. However, the district falls short in providing *PWD-friendly latrines*, with none of the health centers equipped with such facilities. This gap highlights the need for more inclusive infrastructure to cater to the needs of persons with disabilities.
Security and Land Tenure
Kanungu District has a high security guard coverage rate of *93%*, with *25 out of 27 health centers* having security personnel. However, land tenure remains a concern, with only *74% of health centers having land titles. Fencing coverage is also low at 48%,* leaving many facilities vulnerable to encroachment.
Matanda Health Centre III
Key Recommendations
The CSBAG report calls for urgent action to address these challenges. Key recommendations include:
1. Upgrading Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs: Expedite the upgrading process to improve healthcare accessibility.
2. Filling Staffing Gaps: Prioritize filling staffing gaps and reducing absenteeism, particularly in Health Centre IIIs and IVs.
3. Improving Infrastructure: Invest in gender-sensitive infrastructure, including PWD-friendly facilities and emergency equipment.
4. Enhancing Safety Measures : Allocate resources for fire extinguishers and lightning arresters to enhance safety in health facilities.
5. Securing Land Tenure : Expedite land title acquisition and fencing to prevent encroachment.
The findings from the CSBAG report underscore the urgent need for targeted investments and policy interventions to address the disparities in healthcare service delivery in Kanungu District. Addressing these gaps will not only improve the quality of care but also restore public confidence in the health system, advancing Uganda’s commitment to universal health coverage.
In response to this pressing situation, Mutambuzi Wycliff, the Executive Director of KACOERT, emphasized the importance of collaboration between local organizations and government bodies to implement the report’s recommendations effectively. This survey was done by KACOERT, Kanungu community efforts for rural transformation, a local organization in Kanungu in partnership with CSBAG.
List of Health Centers Monitored in Kanungu District:
1. Kanungu Health Center IV
2. Mazzolid Health Center II
3. Rugyeyo Health Center IV
4. Mpungu Health Center IV
5. Ntungamo Health Center III
6. Nyamirama Health Center III
7. Kirima Health Center III
8. Katete Health Center III
9. Mburameizi Health Center III
10. Bugongi Health Center III
11. Rutenga Health Center III
12. Mafuga Health Center II
13. Kinaba Health Center III
14. Kihihi Health Center IV
15. Bihomborwa Health Center II
16. Kihihi Prisons Health Center II
17. Kibimbiri Health Center II
18. Matanda Health Center III
19. Mishenyi Health Center II
20. Kihanda Health Center II
21. Rwere Health Center II
22. Kiringa Health Center II
23. Rubimbwa Health Center II
24. Kazuru Health Center II
25. Samaria Health Center II
26. Kayonza Health Center III
27. Karangara Health Center II
Contact:
Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG)
P.O BOX 660, Ntinda | Plot 11 Vubyabirenge Close, Ntinda Nakawa Rd
Tel: +256 755202154 | Email: csbag@csbag.org | Website: www.csbag.org
Mission:
Working towards ensuring that resource mobilization, allocation, and utilization is inclusive for a transformed Uganda.
Vision:
A Uganda with a people-centered budget that dignifies humanity.
This survey was done by KACOERT, Kanungu community efforts for rural transformation, a local organization in Kanungu in partnership with CSBAG
This story has been extracted from a larger report covering eight districts (Yumbe, Adjumani, Madi Okollo, Abim, Nabilatuk, Budaka, Rubanda, and Kanungu) by the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG).
The focus here is on Kanungu District, as compiled and adapted by: T. Mwajuma Twaha Adams
Communications Officer, Kanungu District Local Government
