BY OBED KITHENDE
Expectant mothers from Mbunga Sub-county in Busongora County South, Kasese District have appealed to the District Woman Member of Parliament to lobby the government to upgrade Mbunga Health Centre II to a health center III status so that they are enabled to deliver from their home-based health facility.
The mothers sounded the appeal today morning at the Sub-county headquarters after receiving over 70 mama kits donated to them by Hon. Sarah Ithungu Masereka Baleke through the Mountain Girl Initiative, a Civil Society Organization funded by the legislator to promote safe motherhood.
Speaking shortly after receiving the mama kits, some of the beneficiaries including Jovia Masika, Hajjat Biira and Joy Kabugho commended the legislator for the timely support, noting that it will significantly aid safe deliveries.
The mothers, however, said they were travelling long and risky distances to Kilembe Mines Hospital to deliver with many of them facing severe complications along the way.
They also requested the Member of Parliament to lobby for the establishment of vocational training schools in the area to help the vulnerable young mothers acquire practical skills to sustain their livelihoods.
The Mbunga Sub-county Chairperson, Mr. Joshua Bayanza Bwambale, commended Hon. Ithungu for fulfilling the pledges she made to the mothers during her campaigns.
He observed the need for the legislator to accord Mbunga Sub-county a special consideration following its difficult mountainous terrain and its status as a newly created administrative unit.
While giving out the donated items to the mothers, Hope Juliet, the Programs Director and Administrator of the Mountain Girl Initiative, said the 70 mama kits were aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring clean and safe deliveries.
She explained that the legislator remains deeply committed to empowering both men and women to transform their communities.
Hope also cautioned the beneficiaries against opening the mama kits before their delivery dates in order to avoid contaminating the sterile items inside them.
ENDS