Health 16 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Nakapiripirit Residents Endure Grueling 40km Treks for Basic Healthcare
Residents of Nakapiripirit District face immense challenges accessing healthcare, with many walking up to 40 kilometers to reach the nearest facility, a journey that is particularly perilous for vulnerable populations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nakapiripirit-residents-trek-40km-to-access-health-services-5462356
Residents of Moruita Sub-county in Nakapiripirit District are confronted with arduous journeys to obtain basic medical attention. The sole government health facility in the area, Moruita Health Centre II, requires some individuals to travel over 40 kilometers, a trek that is physically demanding and often dangerous.
For those unable to afford motorcycle transport, the situation is even more dire. Many describe the daily struggle as exhausting and life-threatening, especially for pregnant mothers, young children, and individuals with critical conditions. “We leave home very early in the morning and sometimes arrive at the health centre in the afternoon when we are already exhausted,” shared Juliet Angolere, a resident of Kopedur Village.
The poor condition of the roads leading to the health center exacerbates the problem, making access extremely difficult, particularly during the rainy season when routes can become impassable. This has led to delays in emergency cases, with some patients reportedly dying before reaching medical care.
ActionAid Uganda, in partnership with the Nakapiripirit District Local Government and with funding from the European Union, organized a mobile health clinic to address these challenges. The initiative provided free medical services, including general treatment, antenatal care, and health education, to hundreds of residents.
ActionAid’s Project Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Daisy Awilo Omech, stated that the program aims to increase access to quality healthcare in hard-to-reach areas. “Through mobile health clinics, expectant mothers are now able to begin antenatal care in the first trimester, in line with Ministry of Health requirements,” she noted.
Godfrey Opio, the in-charge of Moruita Health Centre II, explained that the facility, which serves a catchment area of 3,875 people, primarily focuses on preventive care. He added that outreaches significantly increase the number of patients served daily.
Dr. John Anguzu, the District Health Officer of Nakapiripirit, revealed plans to relocate and upgrade Moruita Health Centre II to a Health Centre III status to improve service delivery. Nakapiripirit District currently has 14 health facilities in total.