State Minister for Primary Health Care, Dr. Charles Ayume, has pledged to push for the upgrading of Wanale Health Center III in Mbale District to a Health Center IV, citing its growing population and limited service capacity.
Ayume made the commitment on Tuesday during a visit to the facility, shortly after presiding over the graduation of 180 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) at Mbale District Headquarters. He was accompanied by Deputy RDC Sam Kashaka, District Chairperson Tony Wamakale, and Mbale District Woman MP Mariam Mukhaye.
“Wanale serves a large population, but the facility is still operating at Health Center III level with limited services. We shall push for its upgrade to Health Center IV so that it can provide services such as surgeries and admissions,” Ayume said.
The delegation also visited Budwale Health Center to assess service delivery challenges in the district.
An upgrade to Health Center IV would allow Wanale to offer inpatient care, emergency services, and surgical procedures reducing the distance and cost residents currently face when seeking specialised treatment elsewhere.
District Chairperson Wamakale welcomed the minister’s engagement, saying sustained government attention to infrastructure and staffing remains key to improving health outcomes locally.
The proposed upgrade will require further assessment of infrastructure, staffing, and equipment needs before implementation.
