Luwero District has recognized outstanding health workers and facilities for their commitment to service delivery and contribution to improving healthcare in the district.
The awards were presented during the Luwero District Health Department Review Meeting held on Wednesday at Fatima Hall in Luwero Town.
The district named Martha Namugabo, a nurse at Kalagala Health Centre as the best female staff member, while Ivan Ssemanda of Luwero Hospital was named the best male staff member.Sarah Nampiima, an enrolled nurse at Makulubita Health Centre III, was awarded as the best staff member for her commitment to duty.
Kamira Health Centre III was named the best-performing health facility for making significant strides in health service delivery, particularly in immunization.
Wobulenzi Town Council was also recognized as the best local government in supporting health services, while Akello Rebecca, a health worker at Bishop Ceaser Asili Hospital, was named the best staff member from a private not-for-profit health facility.
Luwero District Health Officer Dr Innocent Nkonwa singled out Namugabo for her dedication to patients, saying she had continued serving the community even when her health condition required her to take leave.
“Namugabo was once found traveling to work while she was sick. When asked why she did not take leave, her response was, ‘I must attend to my patients.’ This commitment to work is extraordinary, and we thought she deserved recognition,” Nkonwa said.
Namugabo was visibly emotional when her name was announced as the best female staff member. She thanked the district for recognizing her efforts, saying she had never expected that what she considered humble acts of service would one day be recognized.
Dr Nkonwa also explained that Wobulenzi Town Council was recognized for allocating funds and partnering with the health department to improve infrastructure at Bukalasa and Kikoma Health Centres.
“Last year, I asked lower local governments to allocate funds to health services, and Wobulenzi did exactly that. They joined hands with us to ensure that we improve infrastructure at Bukalasa and Kikoma Health Centre. We recognize them for that,” Nkonwa said.
While handing over the plaques of recognition, Luwero District LC5 Chairman Erastus Kibirango congratulated the awardees for their commitment to duty, saying such workers were the kind of people he wanted to see in public service.
“I always encourage the department to recognise and motivate staff who work above and beyond. Some staff spend a year without applying for leave, while others work overtime, and we thank them for such commitment. However, we should also deal with negligent staff whose actions cripple service delivery,” Kibirango said.
Luwero District Principal Assistant Secretary Henry Musisi revealed that the district had received a circular from the Head of Public Service directing local governments to transfer staff who have served at the same station for more than three years.
Musisi said the directive would be implemented immediately, adding that affected health workers would be notified as the district prepares to make the changes.
He said the transfers were a routine administrative measure and were not intended to target any particular staff member.
Luwero Resident District Commissioner Mariam Nalubega welcomed the reported improvements in health service delivery and commended health workers for their efforts.
However, she warned that the district still has negligent health workers and others accused of extorting money from patients.
Nalubega said authorities would work with patients and other stakeholders to identify and take action against health workers involved in malpractice.
She also urged health workers to mobilise residents to participate in the National Cleaning Day scheduled for Saturday, August 29, as part of efforts to promote sanitation and prevent diseases.
