Emma Khaukha
MBALE DISTRICT
Mbale District authorities have handed over a construction site to the UPDF Engineering Brigade for the construction of a maternity ward at Siira Health Centre III in Bumbobi Parish.
During the handover ceremony, on Wednesday, 21st October, 2026, Mbale District LC5 Chairperson Tony Wamagale thanked the government for selecting the health facility for the project, saying the absence of a maternity ward had forced expectant mothers to deliver from home or along the way while seeking maternity services at distant health facilities.
“The lack of a maternity ward at Siira Health Centre III has forced expectant mothers to deliver from home or along the way while seeking services at distant health facilities,” Wamagale said.
He urged mothers in the community to embrace and utilise the maternity ward once completed, warning against relying on traditional birth attendants, which he said could expose mothers and their babies to life-threatening complications.
“I appeal to mothers in this community to embrace and utilise the maternity ward once it is completed and stop relying on traditional birth attendants, as this can lead to loss of life and other complications,” he added.
Milly Oliver Khaitsa, the Bumbobi Sub-county female councillor, applauded the district leadership and the government for the project, noting that the community had experienced cases of mothers dying while travelling to distant health facilities, especially at night.
“Many mothers have faced challenges accessing maternity services, and some have died while travelling to distant health facilities, especially at night,” Khaitsa said.
She called on residents to cooperate with the engineers to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Ntege Ismael, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Mbale District and the guest of honour, said the project would be implemented in two phases at a total cost of 675 million shillings.
He explained that the first phase, covering construction from the foundation to roofing, would cost 375 million shillings, while the second phase, covering painting and finishing, would cost 300 million shillings.
Ntege said the project is expected to be completed within five months.
He urged the contractors to prioritise local content by sourcing construction materials from local suppliers and employing residents to boost the local economy.
“I urge the contractors to use local materials and employ people from the community so that residents can also benefit economically from the project,” Ntege said.
He also cautioned the contractors against delays, urging them to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe.
“We want this project completed within the agreed period so that the community can start benefiting from the maternity services as soon as possible,” he added.
