Health 30 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kwania Health Facilities Crippled by Pervasive Health Worker Absenteeism
Residents of Kwania District are facing severe disruptions in healthcare services due to widespread absenteeism among health workers. Patients report being turned away or receiving substandard care as facilities operate with limited hours or are closed entirely. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/services-paralysed-as-absenteeism-rocks-kwania-health-facilities-5576904
Health services in Kwania District are in disarray as a significant number of health workers are reportedly not showing up for duty. This persistent absenteeism has left many government health facilities struggling to provide basic care, with patients often complaining of long waits and being sent home without treatment.
The situation is particularly dire at Apwori Health Centre III in Atongtidi Sub-county. Locals allege that staff there frequently arrive late, often not before 10 am, and leave before 3 pm on weekdays. During weekends, the facility is reportedly left under the care of askaris, with no medical personnel present.
Residents like Alice Adongo recount harrowing experiences, including a woman who delivered her baby at Apwori HCIII unattended, with a patient attendant assisting in cleaning the newborn. Another resident, James Aweri, shared a similar story of his son spending an entire day at the facility without receiving any medical attention, forcing him to seek care at a private clinic.
Similar issues plague Acwao Health Centre II in Nambieco Sub-county, which residents say is frequently closed on weekends and opens late on weekdays, typically from 10 am to 3 pm. Joseph Ocen noted that finding the facility locked even in the early morning is a common occurrence.
In response to the crisis, Kwania District’s acting District Health Officer, Dr. David Okino, announced that health workers found to be absconding from duty will not receive their salaries. He stated that facility in-charges have been instructed to increase supervision and that consistent reporting will be a prerequisite for salary payment.
Caesar Obada, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner, has urged Health Unit Management Committees to actively monitor health workers and report those who are not fulfilling their duties. Obada highlighted instances where some health workers have been absent for extended periods without any intervention from the committees responsible for their oversight.
Kwania District, with a population exceeding 250,000, is served by one Health Centre IV, eight Health Centre IIIs, and three Health Centre IIs, making the effective functioning of these facilities crucial.