Author: Yosam Gucwaki

The rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Masindi district have been attributed to poor parenting, poverty, ignorance, negligence, and declining moral values. This was highlighted during the annual district GBV meeting organised by the Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE) at Kolping Hotel, Masindi town recently. Charles Jadao, the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Parish Chief for Civic Ward in Masindi Municipality, said weak moral values among couples are a significant driver of GBV. He attributed this primarily to poor parenting and called on cultural leaders to step up their roles in sensitising communities about moral values. “Cultural leaders need to return…

Kyatiri health centre III in Kyatiri town council, Masindi district is struggling to meet the increasing demand for maternal services. The facility records between 40 and 50 deliveries per month and nearly 100 mothers seek antenatal care monthly. Despite serving a population of about 15,000 people, it operates with only 15 staff members, seven of whom are technical personnel. Last week in partnership with area Member of Parliament, Aled Ronald Akugizibwe, Stanbic Bank donated equipment valued at over sh30m. The donation included two delivery beds, two patient beds, two patient trolleys, a resuscitation bed, blood pressure machines, and 100 mama…

Masindi district chairperson, Cosmas Byaruhanga, has expressed concern over the overwhelming challenges the local government faces in maintaining its extensive road network. The district, with over 400 kilometres of roads, is allocated just sh1.2b for maintenance in the current fiscal year. During a recent meeting with district leadership and technocrats, along with Allen Kagina, the Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), Byaruhanga, appealed for UNRA to take over some roads that exceed the district’s capacity to manage. “We cannot effectively maintain these roads with just sh1.2b. Some roads consume a significant portion of our budget, hampering service…

Mothers with disabilities and their advocates are elated after the introduction of a hydraulic adjustable delivery bed at Masindi Hospital. Procured by Kabarwana Pentecostal Church at a cost of sh6m, aims to create a more accessible birthing environment for mothers who previously faced challenges using standard delivery beds. Many mothers had abandoned Masindi Hospital due to the unwelcoming conditions, citing difficulties in accessing regular beds. Susan Alinaitwe, a mother with a disability, shared her experiences, saying, “I have two children, but accessing normal beds was a struggle. The beds are too high, and there were times I had no one…

Students from various secondary schools in Masindi municipality are urging the government to establish accessible sexual reproductive health services at local facilities, allowing them to enjoy their rights without fear. Several students shared their experiences with The Albertine Journal highlighting the challenges they face in accessing these services due to stigma, an unfriendly environment, and a lack of information on where to seek help. One student recounted a troubling experience at Masindi Hospital, stating, “I developed a skin rash and went to the hospital, but the treatment I received from a health worker was unacceptable. Some health workers are rude,…