Following release of images of Kambuga Hospital, where Chris Baryomunsi (pictured), the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology was first rushed after falling ill, before he was airlifted to Kampala, a section of MPs have compared it to a forest but not a health facility.
The sentiments were shared by Patrick Isiagi, Chairperson Budget Committee during a meeting held with officials of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, who had appeared to present the 2023/2024 National Budget Framework Paper.
Isiagi said: “I read news how our Minister got unwell and you are from greater Kigezi, what is that hospital where the Minister was taken? Is it a forest or something else?”
In response, Henry Musasizi, State Minister of Finance-General Duties informed Parliament that plans are underway to inject Shs20bn in the rehabilitation of the hospital.
“The facility is called Kambuga hospital, yes as you saw, there is great need to rehabilitate and improve it and this financial year, we provided for Shs20Bn to rehabilitate Kambuga hospital, so the plans are underway.”
The development comes after Minister Baryomunsi fainted on Sunday and was airlifted to Mulago National Referral Hospital where he later revealed that he was stable and out of danger.
“Friends, yesterday (January 7, 2023) I had a black out while in my constituency. I was moving from one church function to another. I was rushed to Kambuga Hospital and then airlifted to Mulago Hospital [in Kampala]. I’m now stable and out of danger. No need to worry,” he wrote.
However, soon after the news of the Minister being airlifted hit the public, sections of Ugandans used the opportunity to call for revamping of the country’s health sector, with many alluding to the Minister’s privilege, arguing that majority of Ugandans don’t enjoy similar privileges and are left to fight for their lives.
