Ministry of Health Commissioner Charles Kaganda has raised concern over what he described as the poor quality of leadership on hospital management committees, warning that unqualified board members are undermining the country’s health system.
Kaganda made the remarks while addressing congregants and health workers during the 34th World Day of the Sick celebrations at Biikira Parish in Kyotera District.
He said many individuals appointed to oversee health facilities lack the professional competence needed to guide operations effectively.
According to the commissioner, appointments are frequently influenced by friendship and political loyalty rather than merit.
As a result, some board members neither understand medical procedures nor appreciate how health workers operate.
In extreme cases, he noted, supervisors feel intimidated by the very staff they are mandated to oversee, weakening accountability and management.
To address the situation, Kaganda announced that the ministry will revise guidelines governing the appointment of hospital management committees to ensure competence and professionalism.
He also clarified that government has suspended plans to upgrade Health Centre IV facilities into major hospitals.
Instead, under a new policy framework, they will be transitioned into Community Hospitals aimed at improving service delivery at the grassroots.
Kaganda further cautioned medical workers against mixing politics with patient care, stressing that illness affects people regardless of political affiliation.
At the same time, he urged the public to appreciate the difficult working conditions health personnel face, saying quality healthcare requires collective responsibility.
As part of the celebrations, a free health camp was conducted at St. Agnes Technical School, where hundreds of residents received diagnosis and treatment for illnesses including malaria, typhoid, hypertension, diabetes, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and HIV/AIDS.
Leading the day’s Mass, Severus Jjumba, Bishop of Roman Catholic Diocese of Masaka, expressed concern over increasing cases of mental illness, linking the trend to social pressures and growing substance abuse.
He advised parents to prepare children to face life’s challenges rather than overprotecting them, warning that unprepared youth often resort to drugs and alcohol when confronted with hardship.
Dr. Edward Ssemwanga, director of Villa Maria Hospital and lead coordinator of the medical camp, revealed that many attendees were diagnosed with chronic conditions such as ulcers, dental disease, and cancer without prior knowledge of their illness.
He emphasized the urgent need for stronger community health education to promote early detection and prevention.
Health officials say such outreach initiatives remain critical in bridging healthcare gaps, particularly in rural communities where awareness and access to services are still limited.
