Health Ministry Cracks Down on Absentee Health Workers in Lwengo

Dan Basimbe

Read Time: 2 mins

Published: 27 June 2025

Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwiine issued a stern warning to government health workers engaged in absenteeism during a surprise inspection in Lwengo District. The visit exposed critical gaps in service delivery as the district grapples with malaria prevalence rates exceeding 33%—among the highest in the nation.

During the accountability session at Lwengo District Headquarters, Dr. Atwiine took decisive actions. Monitoring teams were dispatched to track staff attendance, while 50 new community health workers (CHEWs) were commissioned to strengthen frontline care. Essential equipment, including iPads, blood pressure monitors, and uniforms, was distributed to improve service readiness. Specialists Dr. Alfred Wale and Dr. Michael Baganize were tasked with leading capacity-building initiatives to enhance workforce skills.

Lwengo Chairman Ibrahim Kitatta, referred to as "Yellow," emphasized severe staffing shortages that undermine care quality, urging accelerated health worker recruitment. District Health Officer Dr. Moses Kafumbe, known as "Blue Coat," acknowledged the urgency of the situation, noting the ongoing rollout of the Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) program to address service gaps.

Newly deployed health workers showcased proficiency in malaria case management, emergency maternal care, and community health education techniques—a critical step in improving outcomes.

The crackdown coincides with troubling indicators in Lwengo, including a malaria burden affecting one in three residents and a facility delivery rate of just 42%. Rural health centers face acute shortages, further straining the system.

Dan Basimbe

Dan Basimbe is an editor who expertly balances the fast-paced demands of the newsroom with a keen sense of precision and timing. Sitting at the desk, he ensures that news updates are delivered promptly, while also translating key stories into English for a broader audience. With a strong background in both journalism and evangelism, Dan brings a unique perspective to his work, blending his passion for storytelling with his commitment to spreading meaningful messages. His role as an editor goes beyond the technical; he actively collaborates with the newsroom, guiding the flow of information and ensuring that each story is presented clearly and accurately.