Emorimor Asks Gov’t to Upgrade Bukedea HCIV to District Hospital

The Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), His Royal Highness Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, has called upon the Government of Uganda to upgrade Bukedea Health Centre IV (HCIV) to a district hospital, citing the need for better infrastructure and improved access to quality health services in the region.

The appeal was made during a spot-check visit to the health facility on Wednesday afternoon, where Emorimor, accompanied by other ICU officials, assessed the state of service delivery and infrastructure at Bukedea HCIV.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Julius Oselle, the Officer-in-Charge of Bukedea HCIV, appealed to the Emorimor to use his influence and cultural authority to advocate for the facility’s elevation.

“We have leaders like the Speaker of Parliament pushing for this upgrade, but we also need a strong cultural voice to amplify the need,” said Dr. Oselle.

He noted that the facility, which serves hundreds of patients from Bukedea and neighboring districts daily, is constrained by outdated infrastructure dating back to the 1950s.

“The buildings are old, space is limited, and we lack modern equipment needed for a facility of our level,” he added.

Dr. Oselle stressed that a hospital status would enable the facility to receive better funding, more specialists, and the capacity to handle referrals from lower-level units.

In his remarks, Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot expressed concern over the challenges faced by both patients and health workers due to the facility’s current status.

“The number of patients coming here is overwhelming, and yet the infrastructure does not match the demand,” Emorimor said.

“The government, through the Ministry of Health, should upgrade this facility to a district hospital so that people in this region can access comprehensive health services closer to home.”

He also commended the health workers for their dedication under difficult circumstances, noting that a productive and healthy community is vital for the development of the Ateker people and the nation at large.

“Health is wealth. When people are healthy, they are able to work, educate their children, and grow economically,” Emorimor emphasized.

Her Royal Majesty Toto Akaliait, who accompanied Emorimor on the visit, encouraged the hospital administration to improve record-keeping and internal coordination.

“While we seek bigger support, let us also organize ourselves better. Harmonizing records is critical for accountability and efficiency,” she said.

The appeal by the cultural leader aligns with Uganda’s broader health policy framework, which seeks to ensure equitable access to quality essential health services for all citizens, especially in underserved regions.

The Uganda National Health Policy emphasizes the importance of improving service delivery at decentralized levels and upgrading health infrastructure to meet growing population needs.

According to the Ministry of Health, Health Centre IVs like Bukedea are intended to operate as mini-hospitals, offering outpatient, inpatient, emergency, maternal, and minor surgical services.

However, many such facilities across the country face similar constraints, insufficient infrastructure, inadequate staff, and limited medical supplies, hindering their performance.

In its Health Sector Development Plan (HSDP) 2020/21–2024/25, the government committed to upgrading at least one health facility in each district to a hospital level and improving the physical condition of existing facilities.

The plan also prioritizes strengthening partnerships with cultural and community leaders to increase advocacy and accountability in health service delivery.

Bukedea District leaders and residents have long pushed for the facility’s elevation, citing increasing demand due to population growth and its strategic location in eastern Uganda.