Kitagwenda District Member of Parliament, Hon. Robert Mugabe, has called on the government to include the district among beneficiaries of the second phase of the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UGIFT) programme.
Mugabe raised the concern in Parliament on Wednesday after Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi presented the government’s plans for UGIFT Phase Two.
UGIFT, which is supported by the World Bank, is designed to strengthen health service delivery through the upgrading of health facilities across Uganda.
Under the first phase of the programme, the government upgraded 373 health centres in different parts of the country.
However, Mugabe expressed disappointment that Kitagwenda District was not among the beneficiaries of the health facility upgrades under Phase One.
He said the exclusion was a major concern for residents of the district, who continue to face challenges in accessing health services.
Mugabe asked the government to ensure that the distribution of health facilities under UGIFT Phase Two is fair and equitable, with Kitagwenda given consideration.
He said all districts should have an equal opportunity to benefit from government programmes aimed at improving healthcare.
Presenting the UGIFT Phase Two plans, Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said the programme is intended to further strengthen Uganda’s health sector following the completion of the first phase.