UMMB Strengthens Health Outcomes in Rwenzori Region through Strategic Technical Support Supervision Visit.

Uganda Muslim Medical Bureau (UMMB) continues to strengthen its impact on health outcomes across Uganda, recently visiting the Rwenzori region as part of the FLASH project. The UMMB team, which included Mugole Hamidu, Quality Assurance Program Officer; Namanjaa Zam, Finance Manager; and Amiri Wabusimba, Advocacy and Communication Specialist/Membership Manager, conducted a technical support supervision visit at Katadoba UMSC Health Centre III in Kasese District. This visit highlighted the bureau’s ongoing dedication to improving healthcare services, and committed support in the fight against the Mpox outbreak in the region.

During the visit, the UMMB delegation met with the Acting District Health Officer (DHO) of Kasese, who expressed deep gratitude for UMMB’s support in addressing the Mpox outbreak. The Acting DHO also praised Sheik Baluku Musa Swidiq the District Kadhi of Kasese for his significant role in health advocacy and public awareness within the district, acknowledging his vital contribution to the community’s well-being.

Speaking on behalf of the UMMB Executive Secretary, Wabusimba conveyed the bureau’s appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the Kasese DHO and reaffirmed UMMB’s commitment to ongoing partnership in promoting health in the district. Wabusimba lauded the DHO for the support extended to Katadoba Health Centre III and other Muslim facilities in the region and pledged to continue working together to build a healthier community in the region.

After their meeting with the DHO, the UMMB delegation visited the office of Sheik Baluku Musa Swidiq the UMSC District Kadhi of Kasese, where they were warmly welcomed by the District Kadhi and his team. A joint technical support supervision was then conducted at Katadoba Health Centre III, involving UMMB technical teams, the Kasese District Kadhi, and the Health Unit Management Committee (HUMC). This collaboration underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder efforts in enhancing health service delivery.

Following a comprehensive review of the facility, the HUMC Chairperson thanked the UMMB technical team for their inclusive approach to supervision. He also advocated for the facility’s upgrade to Level IV, noting that Katadoba Health Centre III meets the criteria necessary for such an upgrade. The Chairperson emphasized that raising the facility’s status would greatly improve healthcare delivery in the region.

In response, Wabusimba stressed the need for collective action in combating the Mpox outbreak in the region, as requested by the DHO’s office. He urged the District Kadhi to engage his constituency in these efforts, ensuring broad awareness and participation. Wabusimba also reiterated UMMB’s support for the proposed upgrade of Katadoba Health Centre III, encouraging all stakeholders to involve UMMB in future follow-ups. He praised the district’s leadership for their commitment to regional development, particularly in constructing new structures aimed at increasing revenue, which will support the health sector and the Muslim community. “I would like to thank the Mufti for entrusting you with the role of District Kadhi of Kasese. I have full confidence in the District Kadhi’s ability to drive further progress in both health and other developmental initiatives,” Wabusimba remarked.

Sheik Baluku Musa Swidiq the District Kadhi of Kasese, in his address, expressed his appreciation to the UMMB team for their regular visits and consistent support. “I have been in office for three years, and it is encouraging to note that this is the second time I have met with the UMMB team in less than four months. Your presence and the work you share on your media platforms are evident. Let us stay true to the vision of the UMSC and the guidance of the Qur’an. Together with my team, we will continue to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to us by the Mufti, supporting our health facilities whenever needed. However, I cannot achieve this alone without the involvement of key stakeholders like the DHO’s office, as UMMB handles matters at the national level.”

The day concluded with the distribution of risk communication materials that were recently developed. Amiri Wabusimba, as the advocacy and communication specialist, handed these materials over to the District Kadhi, marking the end of a successful day of collaboration and shared commitment to advancing health in the Rwenzori region. This technical support visit and its outcomes underscore UMMB’s unwavering commitment to improving health services through strategic partnerships and community engagement, furthering the bureau’s mission to promote health and well-being across Uganda.

Compiled by:
Wabusimba Amiri
Advocacy and Communication Specialist