BY MICHAEL THEMBO MUHAYIRWA
Two Members of Parliament from Kasese District have written to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni requesting for his intervention over the issues surrounding Kilembe Mines Hospital in Bulembia Division of Kasese Municipality.
The legislators including the Busongora County South MP, Hon. Gideon Thembo Mujungu and his Kasese Municipality counterpart, Hon. Ferigo Kambale in their letter dated April 24, 2024 and received on the same date indicate that over the last two years, Kilembe Mines Hospital has witnessed a downward spiral that may ultimately lead to its closure without an alternative health facility to serve the population that has depended on it for generations.
According to them, the closure of Kilembe Mines Hospital would leave a community over 200,000 people in the catchment area of Bulembia Division and the sub-counties of Mbunga, Kilembe, Mahango, Rukooki and Nyakabingo with access to Primary Healthcare Services.
The duo in their letter puts it to the attention of the President that many individuals from the said areas would be forced to travel more than 10 kilometers to access a government health facility of similar capacity hence leading to undoubtedly increased suffering and mortality particularly among mothers and infants.
Addressing the press today afternoon, Hon. Mujungu said their decision to write to the President was based on the alleged failure by the concerned authorities to implement a report of the Parliamentary Committee of Health that recommended for the reinstatement of the facility.
On his part, Hon. Kambale says their act is aimed at helping the people of Bulembia Division and the surrounding sub-counties to get access to improved medical care. He is optimistic that the President will respond positively to their request.
ENDS