By Frank Kamuntu | Mr Swift
Mityana Deputy Resident District Commissioner Proscovia Mwanjuzi has intensified the fight against negligence in government institutions after a dramatic overnight inspection at Busunju Health Centre III exposed alarming gaps in security, sanitation, staff attendance and patient care.
The unannounced operation revealed conditions that raised serious questions about accountability at the facility, with Mwanjuzi finding a security guard absent from his duty station, dirty patient wards, poorly maintained toilets and an overgrown compound.
In an intervention that has attracted praise from residents, Mwanjuzi demonstrated her hands-on approach to public service oversight, moving beyond office reports to establish the challenges faced by ordinary Ugandans seeking medical attention, particularly at night when emergencies can arise without warning.
According to information gathered during the inspection, the security guard, identified as Eliba Dennis, was away from his post, reportedly drinking at a nearby bar. He is said to have returned to the health centre at approximately 10:00 p.m., after hearing about the arrival of irony lady Mwanjuzi.
D/DRC Mwanjuzi’s inspection went beyond the security lapse. She discovered poor sanitation, including dirty wards, neglected toilets and an overgrown compound, conditions that raised concerns about hygiene, infection prevention and patient dignity.
She was also informed by patients and community members about the absence of a nurse assigned to night duty. Additional complaints targeted a midwife identified as Cleopath, whom patients accused of treating them harshly and behaving unprofessionally.
The findings placed the spotlight on the management of the health centre, with its in-charge, Dr Emmanuel Tusiime, facing questions over shortcomings in staff supervision, sanitation, security and enforcement of duty schedules.
Following the inspection, Mwanjuzi ordered the apprehension of the security guard and the facility in-charge. The two were taken to Busunju Police Station, where statements were recorded to facilitate investigations.
In another disturbing revelation, Mwanjuzi was informed that the security guard had, on some occasions, participated in clinical activities, including administering medication and drawing blood samples from patients despite allegedly lacking the necessary medical qualifications.
Pregnant Mothers Forced To Deliver At The Gate
Among the most troubling complaints brought to Mwanjuzi’s attention were reports that some pregnant women in labour had previously been forced to give birth outside the health centre’s gate after encountering access barriers at night as these would find gates closed without any security guard to open for them.
Mwanjuzi vowed to continue conducting ground inspections across Mityana District, warning that public officials must take their responsibilities seriously and treat citizens with the respect they deserve.
She said taxpayers should receive quality services from government institutions and pledged not to spare officials found neglecting their duties.
Invoking President Yoweri Museveni’s message of “Kisanja No Sleep,” Mwanjuzi said she would remain active on the ground to ensure residents benefit from government programmes and services.
Her intervention underscores the oversight role of RDCs and their deputies in monitoring public institutions, listening to complaints and bringing suspected administrative failures to the attention of relevant authorities.
Residents Praise Mwanjuzi’s Hands-On Leadership
The operation has attracted praise from residents who said leaders must go beyond office meetings and establish what happens in public institutions on the ground.
“If all government officials took time to move around and listen to the people as Mwanjuzi does, many challenges affecting ordinary Ugandans would be identified and addressed early,” one resident told Swift News.
Another resident praised her decision to conduct the inspection at night, saying: “We need leaders who do not just sit in offices waiting for reports. When someone goes to the ground, they see the real situation and understand what citizens are going through.”
A third resident said the operation had renewed hope among community members demanding better healthcare services.
“Patients deserve attention and respect. No mother should have to struggle to access a health facility when she needs urgent assistance. We appreciate leaders like Mwanjuzi who listen to these concerns and take action,” the resident said.