By Ambrose Kweronda
www.mknewslink.com
In Kabale—
Authorities in Kabale District have launched the first phase of construction of a Shs 375 million theater block at Kakomo Health Centre IV in Kitumba Sub-county, Ndorwa West Constituency.
The project is aimed at bringing surgical and maternal health services closer to residents and reducing referrals to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital. The contract was awarded to the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Engineering Brigade.
Kabale District Engineer, Januario Turinawe Bagamuhunda, said the first phase will involve construction of the substructure, reinforced concrete frame, including columns and ring beams, walling, roofing, installation of windows and doors, as well as preliminary works.
Kabale District Health Officer, Dr. Gilbert Arinaitwe Mateeka, said the district had initially estimated the entire theater block project at more than Shs800 million before the UPDF Engineering Brigade requested that the scope be adjusted to match the available funding.
He said the theater is a key development intended to make Kakomo Health Centre IV fully functional. Dr Mateeka said the facility had remained a national concern because it was not fully operational as a Level IV health centre.
The health centre’s officer in-charge, Edward Arinaitwe, said the facility currently refers about eight pregnant women to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital because it lacks a theater. He, however, said the health center still faces other challenges, including inadequate inpatient beds, understaffing, limited staff accommodation, and lack of equipment such as a scan machine and dental chair.
Kabale District Chief Administrative Officer, Robert Mugabe, said the project launch was long overdue and tasked the UPDF Engineering Brigade to complete the works within the agreed timeframe. He said the project was provided for in the 2025/26 financial year budget.
Kabale District LC5 chairman, Denis Ndyomugyenyi Nzeirwe, dismissed social media claims that Kakomo Health Centre IV is a ghost facility and urged residents to utilize the services offered at the health centre.
Kabale Resident District Commissioner, retired Major Godfrey Katamba, said the project contributes to the implementation of the National Resistance Movement government’s manifesto, particularly its human capital development agenda.
He also urged the UPDF Engineering Brigade to complete the theatre block within the stipulated timeframe and called for the fast-tracking of other development projects in the district.
Kakomo Health Centre was elevated from Health Centre III to Health Centre IV status about five years ago. However, the facility has continued to operate largely as a Health Centre III because it has lacked a theater and other services required for a fully functional Health Centre IV.