The Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, has commissioned the newly constructed Butebo Health Centre (HC) IV in Butebo District.
The facility was constructed by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineers Brigade and funded by the Ministry of Health.
In her remarks, the Prime Minister commended the President and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, H.E. Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for building a strong, modern and professional army that can also venture into operations other than war, saying the construction of the health facility demonstrates the army’s close relationship with the community.
She praised the UPDF for the timely and quality work evidenced at the newly constructed Butebo Health Centre IV, and urged them to always maintain the standard in pursuit of Government’s agenda on socio-economic transformation.
Rt. Hon. Nabbanja, however, decried the poor hygiene in some areas around the district.
“75 per cent of diseases are manageable if residents uphold cleanliness in their respective homesteads,” she said, adding that most people rush to hospitals with diseases that could have been avoided if cleanliness was adhered to.
She also implored locals to use the facility to improve their health so that they can be healthy enough to participate in income-generating activities that improve their welfare.
The Resident District Commissioner for Butebo noted the difference between UPDF Engineers and other contractors, in terms of quality, time and standard.
He said the UPDF intervention has released pressure on district engineers.
“I, therefore, urge UPDF not to lower the standards in future since they seemingly have no competitors,” he noted.
Mr. Keddy Samuel, the District Chairperson, expressed happiness at the value for money exhibited by UPDF Engineers. He thanked them for being disciplined and committed to the project despite the usual hindrances.
The Senior Medical Officer in-charge of Butebo HC IV, Dr. Ngiri Amos, expressed happiness at the now expanded facility that will accommodate about 250 patients daily. He said the newly installed three-phase power, solar power and water will improve efficiency.
Butebo Health Centre IV now has a maternity ward, Out-Patient Department, four-stance pit latrine, placenta pit, water system, solar power, two staff houses, walkways and general wards of about 50 beds, among others, as part of the scope of work.
The commissioning ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, UPDF senior and junior officers and residents of the area, among others.
