June 24, 2026 – The Agago District Executive Committee, led by LCV Chairman Wilson Otto, carried out a monitoring visit to Kwonkic Health Centre II on June 23, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to assess equitable access to quality healthcare services across the district.The delegation included Speaker Ivan Bornfree, Finance Secretary Alexander Okidi, DHO Representative Ociti Kamilo, and the Secretary for Health. Their tour covered staff attendance, medicine stock levels, laboratory services, facility cleanliness, and emergency preparedness.─
Staff Attendance Under Scrutiny: Upon reviewing the staff attendance register, the team observed that on average only four out of the expected seven staff members were present daily. Chairman Otto questioned the inconsistency, noting that no single day recorded full attendance.One staff member responded: “For us, we work together every day. We all arrive at the same time—some at 7, others at 9.”However, the committee noted that time-out records were missing, making it impossible to track when staff left the facility. The chairman emphasized: “You have been leaving any time you wish except at 5 p.m. That is not acceptable. You must indicate time out.”The team also raised concerns about staff accommodation, with only three quarters available for four live-in staff. The committee acknowledged this and linked it to the broader staffing challenges facing the facility.
Medicine and Supply Stock Verification: The delegation conducted a physical count of available medicines and supplies. Key findings included:· Antibiotics and vaccines were available, though stock records were not fully updated.· A new consignment had been received but had not yet been entered into the stock system.· Staff were still using the previous consignment while the new stock sat unrecorded.· Some essential supplies, including HIV test kits, were present but staff reported irregular supply chains.The committee stressed the importance of accurate and timely stock entries to avoid shortages and wastage.
Facility Maintenance and Environmental Concerns: The team observed that the general compound was poorly maintained, with overgrown vegetation that breeds mosquitoes. Chairman Otto advised: “It is advisable to plant things like g-nut, beans, or soya to improve the compound. Do you have a mowing machine?” When staff replied in the negative, he directed: “You need to get a machine. This is our new plan.”The committee also noted that the waiting area lacked adequate organization and urged staff to conduct weekly community sensitization on health practices, including reminding clients about immunization schedules and outpatient services.
Staff Concerns and Requests: During the interactive session, staff raised several operational challenges:1. Tablets for data entry: Staff revealed they had been told to wait for devices from the Ministry of Health, but the only tablets available were those used for sensitization in 2024. The committee urged them to utilize existing resources while awaiting new ones.2. Duty roster and staffing: The facility currently operates with four staff members, but the workload—covering maternity, immunization, outpatient care, and lab services—requires more hands. The committee noted that additional recruitment will be handled by the District Service Commission, but urged staff to maintain a clear duty roster starting July 1, 2026.3. Cleaning responsibilities: Staff clarified that cleaners (locally referred to as “gambos”) are already assigned to sanitation duties, but the committee emphasized that all staff share responsibility for maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Committee Directives and Policy Announcements: In his closing remarks, Chairman Wilson Otto outlined the following immediate actions:· Emergency Referral Support: An additional UGX 200,000 per financial year quota has been approved to support emergency referrals for the most vulnerable households—specifically the “least poor” who struggle with transport costs. This is not a per-referral increment but an annual allocation to ease the burden on poor patients.· Staff Recruitment: A new recruitment drive will be prioritized for Kwonkic Health Centre II and other hard-to-staff rural facilities. The committee urged staff to submit updated staffing needs to the District Health Office.· Compound Maintenance: The facility will receive a mowing machine, and staff are directed to plant mosquito-repellent crops and maintain regular compound clearing.· Data and Reporting: All stock entries must be updated immediately, and the duty roster must be finalized by July 1, 2026.
Performance Rating and Next Steps: When asked to rate the facility’s performance, the technical team placed Kwonkic Health Centre II between “fair” and “good” —not yet excellent. Chairman Otto remarked with a smile: “When next time you come, there will be improvement. When it’s there, it may go to good.”The committee vowed to conduct unannounced spot-checks across all 12 health facilities in the district within the next 30 days.
Full Report Pending: Finance Secretary Alexander Okidi confirmed that a comprehensive report, including budget reallocations, recruitment timelines, and performance benchmarks, will be published by July 10, 2026. Public dialogues are also scheduled across all sub-counties to gather community feedback.
Great initiative