Community concerns cause midwife’s removal at Nalubwoyo health centre III

A community meeting held in Nalubwoyo sub-county early this week to discuss service delivery has resulted in the immediate removal of midwife Anna Bongo from Nalubwoyo Health Centre III.

Community members accused the midwife of verbally abusing pregnant women and providing inadequate maternal healthcare.

Enach Ambrose, chairperson of the NRM youth in Nalubwoyo, along with other residents, called for her removal, stating that her conduct was discouraging expectant mothers from seeking services at the facility.

The District Health Officer, Dr Jimmy Odongo, confirmed that his office had received a complaint letter from the sub-county chief regarding the midwife’s alleged misconduct.

He said disciplinary action was taken, including placing her on half pay.

However, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Vuciri Geoffrey said midwife Bongo had been placed on forced leave for three months on half salary.

Vuciri explained that she had faced similar complaints before her transfer to Nalubwoyo Health Centre III.

He cautioned government employees to maintain respectful and professional relationships with the communities they serve.

The meeting also addressed several other service-delivery concerns, including the poor road network in Nalubwoyo. Residents accused the district driver of diverting road construction materials intended for the area to other locations.

Community members further complained that Agwenonywal Primary School was overcharging parents, while Opir Primary School was operating in poor-quality structures.

Meanwhile, during a community baraza in Amolatar Town Council, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer directed Ogema, the town agent for Epyel Ward, to immediately refund money allegedly collected from Parish Development Model beneficiaries.

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The deputy CAO warned that failure to return the funds would lead to Ogema’s arrest. Residents have reported several cases of people soliciting money from PDM beneficiaries, particularly in Inomo and Epyel wards.

They also raised concerns about the selection of beneficiaries for restocking support.

The commercial officer, Otyang Bosco, reminded the public that PDM funds are provided free of charge and that no official or individual is allowed to demand money from beneficiaries.

The District Education Officer, Deo Obote, also cautioned schools against charging unauthorised fees. He said the district plans to establish a uniform fee structure that will apply to all government schools.

LC5 chairperson Ogwal Omara urged civil servants to work closely and openly with the communities where they are deployed, saying their responsibility is to contribute to local development.