Julius Baguma Bwambale, one of the residents said they wanted to get a detailed explanation on why the Ministry of Health took the decision to withdraw drugs from Kilembe mines hospital yet it’s the only large facility in the area serving over eight sub-counties.
Police
have foiled a demonstration by residents of Bulembia division and surrounding places in Kasese Municipality. The residents rose up this morning protesting the decision by the Ministry of Health to withdraw the credit line for medical supplies to Kilembe Mines Hospital.
However, the Police intercepted the residents
as they planned to march from the hospital gate to the office of Kasese Chief Administrative
Officer-CAO in Rukoki. They subsequently arrested the Kasese municipality
mayor, Chance Kahindo, the Bulembia division LC III chairperson, Richard Bomera, and two other people. Police used tear gas to disperse residents who attempted to proceed with the planned demonstration.
Julius Baguma Bwambale, one of the residents
said they wanted to get a detailed explanation on why the Ministry of Health
took the decision to withdraw drugs from Kilembe mines hospital yet it’s the
only large facility in the area serving over eight sub-counties. He added that the president pledged 2 billion Shillings for the reconstruction of the facility but they have never recieved any update on the whereabouts of this money.
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Joyce Maloba from road barrier cell criticizes
the ministry of health for acting without coming to the ground to establish the
health needs of the local community. John Lihinda, the Bulembia Division LC III Vice Chairperson, said they have been frustrated by the RDC’s office
whenever they go there to seek information regarding issues of Kilembe mines hospital
and it’s a reason they wanted to engage the CAO.
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The Rwenzori East Regional Police Commander-RPC, Godfrey Achiria said, they had to intervene because the RDC and the area member of parliament had planned a meeting
with the permanent secretary in the ministry of health and there was no justification for the residents to hold a demonstration. He also faulted the members for failing
to write to the police about their planned demonstration.
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The Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine wrote to the
Executive Director of Joint Medical Stores on December 2, 2022, asking for the
deactivation of Kilembe Mines Hospital from the list of facilities that qualify
for essential medicines and health supplies.
According to the communication, the hospital had
failed to utilize funds for essential medicines and health supplies during the
first quarter of the financial year 2022/23 covering the period between July
and September 2022.
The facility has been getting an annual allocation of about
354 million Shillings. The Ministry directed that the money
should be reallocated to other facilities at HC III, HC IV, and hospital levels
in both in Kasese district and Kasese municipality, a decision which has
sparked angry reactions from different stakeholders.
