By walter okello I 24 just 2026
Efforts to improve maternal and newborn healthcare in Amolatar District have received a major boost following the commissioning of specialised medical equipment at Amolatar Health Centre IV.
The equipment, provided under the Empowering Families, Growing Futures programme, is expected to strengthen the facility’s capacity to manage newborn complications and provide safer care to mothers and their babies.
The intervention is being implemented through a Rotary Foundation Global Grant by Rotary Clubs of Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Health, district authorities and technical partners.
The equipment package includes baby cots, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) chairs, radiant warmers, pulse oximeters, Warm Embrace infant warmers, newborn resuscitation kits, digital thermometers, Bubble CPAP machines and phototherapy machines.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Kioga County Member of Parliament Hon. Collins Angwech applauded Rotary for selecting Amolatar Health Centre IV among the beneficiary facilities, saying the intervention was an investment in the health and future of the people of Amolatar.
Angwech pledged to continue advocating for improved healthcare services in the constituency, saying she understands the challenges faced by residents because of her close engagement with the community.
She also highlighted other efforts to improve access to emergency healthcare in Kioga County, noting that she had secured two ambulances to support communities in the constituency.
Amolatar District Vice Chairperson Magret Olul also applauded Rotary, particularly the Rotary Club of Kiwatule, for supporting the district’s health sector.
Olul called on health workers and facility managers to properly manage and maintain the equipment so that it can continue benefiting mothers and newborns for years to come.
Moureen Kisakye, a biomedical engineer with NICOSAM Healthcare, said the equipment would strengthen the capacity of health workers to provide timely and appropriate care to newborns, particularly babies requiring specialised support immediately after birth.
She said NICOSAM Healthcare would support the installation and commissioning of the equipment, train health workers on its use and provide maintenance support to ensure the machines remain functional.
Edward Nkanji, who led the Rotary team, urged the health facility to ensure the equipment is properly installed, maintained and put into immediate use.
He warned that medical equipment can easily become damaged if poorly handled or left unused for long periods.
Nkanji also appealed to Amolatar District leaders to consider establishing a Rotary Club in the district, saying this could create opportunities for the community to attract and participate in more development initiatives.
The latest intervention comes after 27 health workers were trained in Comprehensive In-Service Newborn Care and Essential Newborn Care as part of the programme. Baseline assessments have also been conducted to guide implementation and measure the programme’s impact.
The Empowering Families, Growing Futures programme is hosted by Rotary District 9213 and implemented by Rotary Clubs of Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Health and technical partners.