Health 17 July 2026 Nile Post
Kitagwenda Leaders Renew Plea for Ntara Health Centre IV Upgrade to District Hospital Status
Kitagwenda District Chairperson Ephrance Kenyonyozi is once again urging the Ministry of Health to upgrade Ntara Health Centre IV to a district hospital, citing the critical need for enhanced specialized healthcare services for the growing population. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/357326/kitagwenda-leaders-renew-push-to-upgrade-ntara-health-centre-iv-into-district-hospital
Kitagwenda District Chairperson Ephrance Kenyonyozi has reignited calls for the Ministry of Health to elevate Ntara Health Centre IV to the status of a district hospital. This renewed appeal stems from the facility’s current limitations in meeting the specialized healthcare needs of the district’s rapidly expanding population.
Kenyonyozi highlighted that Ntara Health Centre IV is the highest-level public health facility in Kitagwenda, yet its capacity for specialized services remains insufficient. “Our district has only one Health Centre IV as the highest government health facility, yet it provides limited services. We urgently need Ntara Health Centre IV to be upgraded to a district hospital so that our people can access specialised treatment without travelling long distances,” she stated.
The lack of a district hospital forces many patients to seek treatment in facilities outside Kitagwenda, increasing costs and delaying access to potentially life-saving care. Kenyonyozi expressed deep concern over the impact on maternal and child health, recounting tragic incidents where expectant mothers and their unborn children were lost due to delays in accessing specialized medical attention.
Upgrading Ntara Health Centre IV, the district leaders believe, would significantly reduce the need for out-of-district referrals, alleviate pressure on neighboring hospitals, and improve emergency response times. This would also decrease transportation costs for families and bring essential health services closer to the community.
Kitagwenda, established in 2019, is among the few districts in Uganda without its own district hospital. Residents currently rely on facilities in neighboring districts like Kamwenge, Kabarole, Ibanda, and Mbarara for advanced medical care, a situation leaders hope the Ministry of Health will rectify to improve healthcare outcomes and ensure comprehensive services are accessible locally.