By George Emuron
BUKEDEA
Midwives in Kachumbala Health Center IV in Bukedea District are using their hand phones as a source of light to deliver expectant mothers in the facility.
This was revealed on Wednesday 7th, May 2025 at Facility premises during a community Baraza organized by the State House Health Monitoring Unit.
The baraza was attended by the local community, district officials, health team headed by the district health officer and state house officials aimed at gathering issues affecting service delivery especially on health.
It is noted that the facility is operating without theatre and mortuary.
In the month of April 2025, a total of 107 mothers gave birth.
A midwife who asked not to reveal her identity told this publication that the use of phone light is common especially at night during power blackouts.
“We have electricity but when it blacksout, we don’t have a standby generator so the only last option we have is to use our phones”, said Midwife.
Dr. Caroline Kiyai, the facility in charge confirmed the matter saying the facility is on the pipeline to draw the budget towards purchasing solar light system.
She said the solar system which was installed as backup is not functioning.
“When we don’t have power, especially at night, we are forced to use lamps and phone torches”, said Dr. Kiyai.
Dr. Kiyai therefore appealed for support from well-wishers.
Dr. Emmanuel Odeke, the Bukedea District Health Officer told this publication that the district is working hard to ensure that a powerful standard backup system is installed.
David Charles Okiror, one of the concerned citizens says use of phones for delivering mothers puts them at high risk.
“There’s a time when I brought my woman here to give birth but unfortunately we found the facility when it’s very dark”, said Mr. Okiror.
Dr. Semagande Elijah Opolot a state house health monitoring Unit official said the raised issues from the community baraza will be presented to the responsible offices for immediate response.
“Our main target is to monitor health for the purpose of development”, said Dr Semagande.
