KAMPALA — Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament Enid Origumisiriza has urged the government to provide alternative sources of electricity to Maziiba and Rubaya Health Centre IVs to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical medical services.
Speaking during Wednesday’s parliamentary plenary sitting, Origumisiriza raised concern over frequent power outages at the two health facilities, warning that unreliable electricity is putting patients, particularly mothers requiring emergency care, at increased risk.
The legislator said power interruptions are affecting essential services, including blood transfusion and emergency obstetric care, which require reliable electricity to operate safely and efficiently.
She noted that expectant mothers are sometimes referred to other health facilities for Caesarean section operations during power outages, despite Maziiba and Rubaya Health Centre IVs having the necessary capacity and equipment to conduct the procedures.
Origumisiriza called for the installation of adequate solar power systems or standby generators at the two facilities, saying a dependable alternative power supply would help maintain essential services during electricity interruptions.
She further argued that reliable power would improve emergency response, facilitate safe storage of blood and other medical supplies, and reduce risks faced by mothers and newborns in Kabale District.
The Kabale District Woman MP also appealed to the Ministry of Education and Sports to introduce the provision of free sanitary pads for girls in government schools, particularly those from vulnerable households.
She said menstrual-related challenges continue to contribute to absenteeism and school dropout among girls, urging the government to complement its investment in school infrastructure with measures that directly support learners’ welfare and retention.
Origumisiriza said providing sanitary pads would protect the dignity of schoolgirls, improve their confidence and help them remain in class throughout their menstrual periods, calling for greater attention to the needs of vulnerable learners as part of efforts to promote inclusive education.
