Health 19 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kisiima Health Centre III Struggles Without Power Amid Island Health Crisis
Kisiima Health Centre III on Lake Victoria's Kisiima Island has been without electricity for a year, halting lab operations and nighttime care for 600 monthly patients from Jinja and Buikwe areas. Officials promise a sustainable power fix soon. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kisiima-health-centre-iii-the-facility-operating-in-darkness-5396384
Kisiima Health Centre III, recently upgraded from a Level II facility, serves communities around Lake Victoria, including Jinja Southern Division, Jinja City, and Buikwe District. However, it has operated without power for the past year, severely impacting services.
Critical lab equipment like microscopes and centrifuges sits idle, preventing disease testing for common ailments such as malaria, diarrhea, and infections. The centre handles about 600 patients monthly, including 20 deliveries, but nighttime care is impossible in the darkness.
Staff previously relied on solar power, but wear and tear has rendered it unreliable, except for a vaccine fridge. Health workers note that poor sanitation and unsafe water in the island community fuel these illnesses.
Jinja City Council Health Officer Dr. Fredrick Isabirye confirmed the issue and stated that his office is addressing it. Plans are in place to install a reliable power source to revive the equipment.
Health Inspector Franco Mugweri highlighted ongoing waterborne disease outbreaks like dysentery on the islands.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)