NAMISINDWA – In a landmark move aimed at transforming maternal healthcare and saving lives, Namisindwa District Woman MP Hon. Peace Khalayi on Thursday officially launched a brand-new ambulance for the people of Namisindwa and distributed hundreds of mama kits and basins to expectant mothers across several health facilities in the district.
The intervention, which was warmly received by health workers, local leaders, and residents, is being hailed as one of the most significant healthcare support initiatives undertaken in the district in recent years.
Hon. Khalayi began her district-wide health outreach at Bubutu Health Centre III, where she was welcomed by the facility’s in-charge, Dr. Bruhan Muggega, and the medical team. She toured various departments before interacting with patients, particularly expectant mothers, who expressed gratitude for her commitment to improving healthcare services.
During the engagement, health workers highlighted persistent challenges affecting service delivery, including inadequate transport, poor staff accommodation for health workers on night duty, and understaffing despite the increasing number of patients seeking treatment.
Addressing the concerns, Hon. Khalayi pledged to work closely with relevant authorities to seek lasting solutions.
“This is only the beginning. More support is coming. I have listened to your concerns, and I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that healthcare services improve for our people,” she said.
The area Mayor, Hon. Moses Mutambo, commended the initiative and urged residents to safeguard the ambulance as a community asset.
He also appealed to the legislator to ensure the ambulance remains dedicated to public service regardless of future political developments.
At the facility, Hon. Khalayi personally handed out mama kits and basins to mothers and promised that her office would continue supporting health facilities to ensure such essential supplies remain available.
The legislator later proceeded to Bumbo Health Centre III, where she was welcomed by the facility’s in-charge, Dr. David Mukuya, who praised her dedication to improving healthcare access.
Dr. Mukuya called upon the MP to continue prioritizing health and also urged her to champion efforts against rising cases of teenage pregnancies, noting that girls as young as 13 years are becoming mothers, jeopardizing their education and future prospects.
Representatives of mothers at the facility also raised concerns about increasing cases of single motherhood, limited economic opportunities, and the need for skilling and SACCO support programs to improve household incomes.
Hon. Khalayi assured them that empowerment and community development programs would remain part of her broader agenda for women and families in the district.
Her final health facility stop was Bupoto Health Centre III, where she again distributed mama kits and left additional supplies with health administrators to benefit more mothers.
The day culminated at Namisindwa Technical Institute, where the MP officially handed over the ambulance to district leaders led by District Chairperson Emma Bwayo.
Receiving the vehicle, Bwayo applauded Hon. Khalayi for prioritizing the welfare of the people and emphasized that the ambulance now belongs to every resident of Namisindwa regardless of political affiliation.
“Politics is over; service delivery is what matters now. This ambulance belongs to the people of Namisindwa and must serve everyone without discrimination,” Bwayo said.
He further warned against corruption and the misuse of public resources intended for roads, hospitals, and other critical services, while calling upon leaders to unite in lobbying for more development opportunities for the district.
The chairperson also revealed that he and Hon. Khalayi had jointly engaged the Ministry of Health to push for the establishment of a Health Centre IV in Namisindwa, noting that the district remains the only one in the region without such a facility.
In her remarks, Hon. Khalayi thanked residents for the confidence they placed in her and reaffirmed her commitment to delivering on her manifesto promises.
She said healthcare remains her top priority because every family deserves access to quality medical services, especially mothers and newborns.
The legislator pledged to continue supplying mama kits to health facilities across the district and challenged fellow leaders to support healthcare initiatives in their respective areas.
She also appealed to the government to provide an additional district ambulance, arguing that one vehicle may not adequately serve the growing population.
To ensure sustainability, Hon. Khalayi announced that maintenance and operational support for the ambulance would be catered for under her office.
The event ended with celebrations from community members, who described the ambulance donation and maternal support program as a life-saving intervention that will reduce preventable deaths and improve healthcare access across Namisindwa.