Leaders Push for Electricity Connection at Zombo’s Shs 2.6 Billion Modern Health Facility

ZOMBO — Health authorities in Zombo District have called on political leaders and Members of Parliament to urgently lobby for the extension of national grid electricity to the newly commissioned Amwonyu Health Centre III in Akaa Sub-County, citing the need for reliable power to fully optimize service delivery and ensure sustainability.

The appeal was made during the commissioning of the facility, where Zombo District Health Officer (DHO), Dr. Mark Bramali, raised concerns over the limitations of the solar power system currently in use at the health centre.

Although the solar installation initially supports basic operations, Dr. Bramali noted that frequent lightning strikes have caused repeated disruptions, damaging critical components such as the inverter and charge controller.

“Lightning has repeatedly compromised the solar infrastructure,” Dr. Bramali said. “We have already replaced the inverter once and set aside UGX 2.7 million to procure a new charge controller as an interim solution. However, the national grid poles are already within the facility compound, and the power line is nearby. Connecting to the grid is technically feasible and would provide a stable primary power source, with solar retained as backup.”

Gazetted as a Health Centre III effective July 1, 2025, Amwonyu HC III is now mandated to deliver the Uganda Minimum Health Care Package. Services include inpatient and outpatient care, basic emergency obstetric and newborn care, antenatal and postnatal services, immunization, family planning, HIV and TB co-management, minor surgical procedures, and essential laboratory diagnostics.

The facility serves a predominantly agrarian population along the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo border, where access to quality healthcare has historically been limited.

Constructed at a total cost of UGX 2.6 billion under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UGIFT) Programme, Amwonyu HC III is one of only seven national model Health Centre IIIs and one of two in the West Nile sub-region.

Phase I of the project funded the maternity and general wards at UGX 960 million, along with specialized obstetric equipment worth UGX 205 million. Phase II, implemented in the FY 2024/2025, covered construction of the outpatient department, staff houses, perimeter fencing at a cost of UGX 1.2 billion, and additional clinical and diagnostic equipment valued at UGX 200 million.

The call for grid electricity comes shortly after the commissioning of the 6.6-megawatt Nyagak III Hydropower Plant in Zombo District, with stakeholders arguing that critical public infrastructure such as health facilities should be prioritized for connection.

Ora County Member of Parliament, Hon. Lawrence Songa Biyika, acknowledged the challenge posed by inadequate power supply and pledged to raise the matter with relevant ministries.

“Electricity connectivity is essential for seamless health service delivery. I commit to advocating for this issue at the highest levels,” Songa said.

According to the district health department, the upgrade has significantly improved the facility’s capacity. Annual allocation for essential medicines and health supplies has increased from UGX 14.07 million to UGX 40.09 million, while staffing has expanded from two to 16 health workers—about 96 percent of previous staffing norms. Plans are in place to scale staffing to the Ministry of Health’s revised target of 55 personnel by 2031 under National Development Plan IV.

Assistant Resident District Commissioner Bruno Mananu commended the government for investing in health infrastructure, while urging communities to embrace positive health-seeking behavior to maximize the benefits of the new facility.

The commissioning ceremony was marked by community jubilation, with district officials confirming that all new equipment had been delivered. Minor defects identified will be addressed during the defects liability period at no additional cost to government.

Local leaders also praised the community for exemplary cooperation during construction, noting that the project recorded no theft or land disputes.

Mothers who attended the event described the facility as a major boost to maternal and child health, particularly in reducing maternal and perinatal deaths through skilled birth attendance and timely emergency response.

Zombo District serves a population of over 300,000 people across nearly 17 public health facilities, with high patient volumes, especially in border communities. The addition of Amwonyu HC III, following the commissioning of Otheko HC III last year, is expected to further bridge critical gaps in access to healthcare services.