A significant improvement in healthcare service delivery has been recorded in Kagadi District, with gains in outpatient attendance, maternal and child health services, malaria reduction, immunisation coverage, and HIV treatment outcomes, even as the sector continues to grapple with severe staffing shortages and infrastructure constraints. The performance highlights were presented during a district health planning meeting organised by Buyaga East Member of Parliament, Stephen Twesige, at his hotel in Kitonzi Cell, Kagadi Town Council.
According to the District Health Department report, outpatient attendance rose sharply from 155,204 patients in the 2024/2025 financial year to 200,324 in 2025/2026, representing a 31.5 percent increase. Officials attributed the rise to upgraded health facilities and intensified community sensitisation. Malaria cases also declined significantly, dropping from 66,419 to 49,430, a 25.5 percent reduction.
Health officials further noted that 98 percent of malaria-positive patients received treatment during the period under review. Maternal health indicators also improved. Antenatal attendance increased from 21,519 to 25,798 mothers, while postnatal care rose from 18,987 to 23,930 mothers. Perinatal deaths declined from 174 to 96 per 10,000 births, a reduction attributed to improved maternity services in upgraded health facilities. Immunisation coverage improved as well, with DPT and Measles-Rubella vaccination rates increasing by 11.3 percent and 23.3 percent respectively, driven by expanded outreach programmes.
The district also recorded strong performance in HIV/AIDS response, achieving the 99-97-94 treatment targets, surpassing the global 95-95-95 benchmark. Health officials attributed this success to targeted testing and support from development partners, including Baylor Uganda. Over the past five years, the district has expanded and upgraded several health facilities, including Kyakabadiima Health Centre III, Galiboleka Health Centre III, maternity wards, staff quarters, solar backup systems, and vaccine storage facilities. Despite the gains, major challenges remain.
The district lacks a Health Centre IV, placing pressure on Kagadi Hospital. Authorities are now proposing the upgrading of Mabaale and Bwikara Health Centre IIIs to bridge the gap. Severe staffing shortages also persist. Out of an approved 1,114 health workers, only 351 positions are filled, leaving staffing levels at just 32 percent. Other challenges include inadequate staff accommodation, shortage of specialists at Kagadi Hospital, dilapidated staff quarters, weak disease surveillance funding, poor vaccine storage, and limited health facilities in several sub-counties.
To address these gaps, the district has proposed upgrading several health facilities, including Ndaiga, Mpeefu, Mugalike, Kyamasega, and Galiboleka to Health Centre III status, and elevating Mabaale and Bwikara to Health Centre IV status. Other planned interventions include expanding maternity services at Kagadi Hospital, completing the maternity ward at Muhorro-Kabuga Health Centre III, rehabilitating Isunga Health Centre III, recruiting more health workers, and procuring an ambulance for Buyaga East.
The district is also lobbying for Kagadi Hospital to be upgraded to Regional Referral Hospital status to improve access to specialised care and reduce referrals outside the district. Speaking during the meeting, Buyaga East MP Stephen Twesige called for coordinated efforts to strengthen service delivery, particularly in the health and education sectors.
District Biostatistician Richard Ngomiranze Ngora reaffirmed the department’s commitment to improving healthcare services through continued investment in infrastructure, human resources, and disease prevention programmes.
The News Editor ,Reporter at Kagadi Kibaale community Radio
