In Zombo District, political leaders are calling for the urgent extension of the national electricity grid to the newly commissioned Amwonyu Health Center III. With its Shs 2.6 billion investment, the center, located in Akaa Sub-County, has faced challenges in delivering optimal services due to an unreliable solar power system. The key to enhancing service delivery and ensuring the center’s sustainability lies in a stable electricity connection.
Why Electricity Connection is Essential for Amwonyu HC III
The solar power system at Amwonyu Health Center III has been struggling with frequent power outages, often due to lightning strikes. Dr. Mark Bramali, the District Health Officer of Zombo, stressed the need for a more reliable power source. “We’ve replaced the inverter once, and we’ve set aside UGX 2.7 million for a new charge controller, but connecting to the national grid is the most viable solution. The poles are already within the facility compound,” Dr. Bramali explained. The national grid connection would provide stable power, with solar serving as a backup.
The Health Center’s Impact on the Community
Amwonyu Health Center III, operational since July 2025, provides essential healthcare services to a predominantly agrarian population living along the Uganda-DRC border. The center is crucial in offering maternal care, immunization, family planning, minor surgeries, and diagnostic services—services previously lacking in the area. This center serves as one of only seven model Health Center IIIs in the country, aiming to bridge the healthcare gap for over 300,000 people in Zombo.
Recent Investments and Expansion
The total investment of Shs 2.6 billion has significantly improved the facility’s capacity. The health center’s Phase I focused on constructing the maternity and general wards and installing obstetric equipment. Phase II expanded the outpatient department and staff housing and included a new perimeter fence. Additionally, the annual allocation for medicines and health supplies has increased to UGX 40.09 million, a notable improvement over previous budgets.
Political Support for the Electricity Connection
Hon. Lawrence Songa Biyika, the Member of Parliament for Ora County, pledged his support to lobby the relevant ministries for the electricity connection. “Electricity connectivity is crucial for efficient health service delivery, and I will advocate for this issue at the highest levels,” said Biyika. The nearby Nyagak III Hydropower Plant’s commissioning strengthens the argument that Zombo’s public facilities, especially health centers, should be prioritized for the grid connection.
Community and Government Collaboration
The commissioning ceremony of Amwonyu Health Center III was celebrated by the local community, with residents praising the government’s efforts in improving healthcare infrastructure. Leaders also encouraged the community to utilize the facility to its full potential. The addition of the health center is expected to significantly reduce maternal and perinatal deaths by providing timely medical assistance and skilled birth attendance.
Amwonyu Health Center III’s operations will greatly benefit from the reliable electricity connection. Leaders, healthcare providers, and the community are unified in pushing for the national grid extension to the facility. This step will ensure better healthcare delivery, ultimately enhancing the facility’s sustainability and improving the lives of those in Zombo District.
