By Joseph Masereka in Kasese
A section of National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairpersons from Greater Kilembe sub-counties through the office of Resident District Commissioner (RDC) have expressed their concerns through a written document to president Museveni seeking for restoration of Kilembe Mines Hospital.
The concern comes barely a few days when government had withdrawn a section of workers from the health facility, a situation that has sparked exchange of bitter words among locals, politicians and other relevant stakeholders.
The NRM chairpersons who have expressed their concerns are from six Greater Kilembe sub counties which include Kilembe, Rukoki, Mbunga, Nyakabingo, Bulembia Division, and Mahango.
Addressing the media at the RDC’s office in Kasese town, Jackson Mbabu, the team leader who also doubles as the chairperson NRM Nyakabingo sub-county, said they want President Museveni intervene by solving the health crisis in the mountainous communities following the withdrawal of health workers, Primary Health Care money and medical supplies without alternatives of saving the lives of people who fall sick in the area.
“We want president Museveni to consider revamping our historical hospital which offers health services to thousands of people from Kasese district,” said Mbabu.
Other NRM chairpersons who spoke to journalists said there is need for government to reverse its earlier decision by providing medicine to the hospital and also retaining government medical workers to offer health services to the disadvantaged people who are in great need of government health services.
During a community meeting which was held shortly after withdrawal of health workers at the hospital premise at the beginning of this month, locals were left shocked when the Kasese Municipality Member of Parliament Ferigo Kambale accused the State Minister of ICT and National Guidance Godfrey Baluku Kime Kabyanga of spearheading the withdrawal of government services to the facility.
“I will not fear to say this, the person who is behind the closure of Kilembe Mines Hospital is the state minister for ICT and National Guidance Hon. Kabyanga, I repeat the person who is behind the closure of Kilembe mines hospital is Kabyanga,” said Kambale.
However, in response on the matter, Kabyanga quashed the Kambale’s accusation, saying the hospital would actively work fully after revamping of Kilembe mines which has big shares in it.
Kilembe Mines Hospital started in 1954 and has been serving over five hundred thousand people. It was started by Kilembe Mines Limited to provide health services to the workers and community around.
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