As the Bugisu Cultural Institution, we are concerned about the increasing challenges of teenage pregnancy, alcohol abuse and the continued use of traditional birth attendants in circumstances where qualified health professionals are available.
We are therefore committing ourselves to work with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to reverse these challenges and improve the health and well-being of our people in the Elgon region.
Why should an expectant mother seek labour services from a traditional birth attendant when there are several government health facilities spread across the country to provide professional health services?
As a cultural institution, we intend to work through our clan structures to sensitise communities and encourage expectant mothers to seek skilled maternity services from qualified health workers.
The health of our people is one of our most important concerns. A sick and weak population gives us sleepless nights, and we must collectively work with the Ministry of Health and its partners to address the health challenges affecting our communities.
We appreciate the work being done by the Ministry of Health, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and other partners, including AMREF, Bulamu, Busitema University, the School of Hygiene, the World Health Organization and AIDS Support Organisation, among others.
We also commend the health sector for its efforts to improve health services in the Elgon region, including the development of specialised services and efforts to reduce maternal mortality.
The Ministry of Health and its partners recently organised an Annual Health Assembly that brought together health stakeholders from the Elgon cluster.
The cluster includes districts such as Butebo, Bukwo, Bududa, Kibuku, Namisindwa, Manafwa, Sironko, Butaleja, Kween, Kapchorwa, Tororo, Mbale City, Mbale District, Bulambuli, Pallisa and Busia, among others.
As the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, I represented the cultural leadership at the health review meeting.
My participation gave me an opportunity to understand the challenges facing the health sector in the Elgon region, the progress that has been made and the measures being taken by the Ministry of Health and its various units to address the challenges.
I therefore consider it important to share these concerns with our cultural community.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution is ready to work closely with the Ministry of Health, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and other health facilities to address the challenges identified.
In line with the Ministry of Health’s vision of having a responsive, resilient and people-centred health system that protects and promotes the health and well-being of Ugandans, health officials presented data highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in the Elgon region.
Dr. Wanasolo, during the presentation of the annual health survey data for 2025/2026, highlighted a number of health challenges affecting the region.
Among the concerns raised were high mortality rates, particularly cases linked to delayed referrals and situations where traditional birth attendants take on responsibilities that should be handled by qualified health professionals.
The report also highlighted teenage pregnancy as a major concern, particularly in Bududa and Namisindwa.
As a cultural institution, we believe this challenge requires collective action from parents, cultural leaders, schools, communities, religious leaders, health workers and government.
We must strengthen community sensitisation and discourage practices that expose young girls to early sexual activity and teenage pregnancy.
The health report also highlighted diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, malaria, liver-related ailments and pneumonia among the major health challenges affecting communities in the region.
Other conditions mentioned included intestinal worms, cough, skin diseases, snake bites and urinary tract infections.
These challenges require both medical intervention and preventive measures within our communities.
Of particular concern is the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on the health of our people. Alcohol abuse can contribute to a number of health and social problems, and communities must take deliberate steps to address the challenge.
As a cultural institution, we are prepared to mobilise our people to adopt healthier lifestyles, including reducing excessive consumption of alcohol, salt and sugar.
Our response as a cultural institution is to welcome the health report as an important reflection of the challenges facing communities in the Elgon region.
We acknowledge the concerns surrounding teenage pregnancy, alcohol abuse, maternal health, diabetes, hypertension, malaria, snake bites and other diseases.
We therefore commit ourselves to working with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to create greater awareness within our communities.
We are also developing strategies through which the cultural institution can support community health initiatives.
His Highness the Umukuka of the Bamasaba, Jude Mike Mudoma, will be expected to lead cultural mobilisation around designated health activities, including community exercises and other initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles.
We also intend to encourage our people to pay greater attention to their diets, including reducing excessive salt and sugar consumption, while promoting physical activity and regular medical check-ups.
The health of our people must remain a collective responsibility.
We cannot leave the fight against disease to health workers alone. Cultural leaders, parents, religious leaders, local governments, civil society organisations and communities all have a role to play.
I salute the leadership and staff of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, including Dr. Arinyo Baifa and Dr. Wanasolo, as well as the Ministry of Health and its partners, for their continued efforts to improve health services in the Elgon region.
Together, we can build healthier and stronger communities.
Steven Masiga is the Spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution.
Tel: 0782 231 577
