*Kigezi DHOs Call for Increased ICT Support to Strengthen Digital Health Services*

Kobugabe Joanita – Communication Officer, Rubanda DLG

RUBANDA – District Health Officers (DHOs) in the Kigezi sub-region have appealed to Government for increased support in providing adequate ICT equipment, connectivity and digital infrastructure to health facilities to facilitate the effective transition to electronic health information systems.

The call was made during the 4th Kigezi Regional Joint Review Mission (JRM) 2026, being held from 1st to 2nd September 2026 at Volcano Hotel, Rubanda District. The mission brings together key stakeholders in the health sector to review achievements, identify persistent challenges and develop strategies for improving healthcare service delivery across the Kigezi sub-region.

The mission has brought together District Health Officers, health facility in-charges, Health Unit Management Committee (HUMC) chairpersons, political and technical leaders, development partners, religious and cultural leaders, health workers and other key stakeholders.

The review is providing an opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress in areas including immunisation, maternal and child health, HIV services, tuberculosis control, disease surveillance and other health programmes, while examining gaps that continue to affect the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.

In his remarks, the Chairperson of the Kigezi Regional DHOs Forum and Kabale District Health Officer, Dr. Gilbert A. Mateeka, called upon stakeholders to strengthen leadership, accountability and client-centred care at health facilities.

Dr. Mateeka emphasised the critical role of health facility in-charges and HUMC chairpersons in ensuring that resources invested in health facilities translate into improved health outcomes for communities.

He urged health facility leaders to ensure that facilities remain clean, functional, accountable, responsive and welcoming to clients, while supporting health workers to effectively perform their duties.

Persistent Health Challenges

The DHOs highlighted persistent health challenges affecting the region, including preventable maternal and neonatal deaths, adolescent health challenges, malnutrition, communicable diseases, and gaps in access to and quality of healthcare services.

The stakeholders also called for stronger partnerships among political leaders, technical teams, religious and cultural leaders, development partners and communities, noting that improving health outcomes requires collective responsibility.

The DHOs raised concern over limited wage provisions, which continue to affect staffing levels and consequently the quality and continuity of health services.

They appealed for continued advocacy for adequate wage provisions for districts to enable them to attract and retain sufficient numbers of health workers.

The DHOs also called for increased support for District Health Team supervision, noting that inadequate facilitation limits the frequency and effectiveness of technical support supervision to health facilities.

Accountability and Professionalism

On the fight against corruption, the DHOs expressed support for Government's anti-corruption efforts while appealing for allegations to be properly investigated before action is taken, in order to protect innocent health workers from being unfairly implicated.

They urged health workers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct in the execution of their duties.

The DHOs further emphasised that client-centred care should involve respect, dignity, confidentiality, safety, compassion and timely attention to patients.

Health workers were encouraged to avoid unnecessary delays, absenteeism, lateness and neglect of duty, which can undermine public confidence in the health system.

Strengthening Digital Health Systems

The Joint Review Mission is also addressing the ongoing digital transformation of Uganda's health sector, particularly the transition to electronic health information systems.

The DHOs appealed for continued Government support in providing adequate ICT equipment, reliable connectivity and appropriate infrastructure to health facilities, noting that digital transformation requires sufficient resources if it is to effectively improve healthcare delivery.

They emphasised that strengthening digital health systems will require health facilities to be adequately equipped and connected to enable health workers to effectively use electronic systems in managing health information and supporting service delivery.

The DHOs further emphasised the need to strengthen the authority and appropriate positioning of the District Health Officer to enhance district health governance, accountability and service delivery.

Renewed Commitment to Better Health Outcomes

Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of Health, is the Chief Guest of Honour at the Joint Review Mission.

The meeting is expected to conclude with renewed commitments and practical actions aimed at addressing the identified challenges and strengthening health systems across the Kigezi sub-region.

Dr. Mateeka called upon stakeholders to move beyond simply reviewing what has been achieved and instead focus on what needs to be done differently to achieve better health outcomes for the people of Kigezi.

He emphasised the need for good governance, strong leadership, meaningful partnerships, and respectful, quality and client-centred care.

“Together, let us make Kigezi not only one of Uganda’s most beautiful regions, but also one of its healthiest.”