KCCA HEALTH WORKERS CELEBRATE A YEAR OF SERVICE

For once, the hands that hold stethoscopes, carry patients and deliver babies were free to clap, dance and rest.

On a warm December afternoon at Habib Wellness Resort in Kasangati, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) health workers stepped away from crowded wards and endless queues to celebrate a year defined by long nights, impossible numbers and lives saved against the odds.

Laughter replaced ambulance sirens, and tired feet moved to music, a rare pause for men and women who spend most of their days standing between life and loss.

The December 12 team-building and end-of-year celebration, hosted by KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki and the authority’s leadership, was both a thank-you and a reminder of duty.

“This day is not just about partying and ending the year,” Buzeki told the gathering. “It is a reminder of your role as people chosen to serve and save lives. You are the backbone of Kampala’s healthcare system, and we are proud of every life you touch.”

She praised health workers for continuing to deliver care despite overwhelming patient loads, saying many KCCA facilities are operating beyond their designed capacity.

“We see our health centers already functioning at the level of regional referral hospitals,” she added. “This is a testament to your dedication and resilience.”

Buzeki emphasized that KCCA is in active discussions with the government to upgrade all KCCA health centers to city hospital standards.

“We owe it to you and to the people of Kampala to provide facilities that match the extraordinary work you do,” Buzeki said.

The event recognized the best performers of 2025, honored long-serving staff and those due for retirement, and awarded appreciation certificates to facility in-charges.

Staff were also urged to uphold KCCA minimum service standards and the client charter as efforts continue to improve staff welfare and health facility infrastructure.

“Your hard work does not go unnoticed,” Buzeki said. “Every patient you care for, every life you save, every challenge you overcome it makes Kampala a city we can all be proud of.”

She also congratulated, Kisenyi Health Center IV for emerging as a national standout. At the 31st Annual Joint Review Mission organized by the Ministry of Health on Dec. 10, 2025, Kisenyi HCIV was named the highest-ranked and best-performing public Health Center IV in Uganda. The facility recorded 9,886 deliveries during the year, second only to Kawempe National Referral Hospital.

The gratitude was backed by stark statistics.

In the 2024/25 financial year, KCCA directly managed eight public health facilities serving an estimated catchment population of 505,692 people across the city.

These facilities recorded 193,564 outpatient visits, about 5% of the total 3.9 million outpatient attendances registered in Kampala, with women making up the majority of patients.

Maternal health remained a critical front line. Of the 85,050 deliveries conducted in all Kampala health facilities during the year, KCCA-managed units handled 26,512, accounting for 31% of all facility-based deliveries in the city, even though government facilities represent only about 2% of Kampala’s total health facilities.

Four KCCA facilities, Kisenyi HCIV, Kawaala HCIII, Kitebi HCIII and Komamboga HCIII — ranked among the top 10 health units conducting the highest number of deliveries in Kampala, highlighting the scale of work carried by a small number of public facilities.

In comparison, Kawempe National Referral Hospital, with a bed capacity of 170, conducted 19,305 deliveries, while all five top KCCA facilities combined have only 82 beds but managed 26,512 deliveries, a clear reflection of staff dedication and efficiency.

Dr. Sarah Zalwango, KCCA’s Director of Public Health and Environment, thanked staff for their resilience and compassion.

“You work tirelessly even when disease outbreaks peak, when malaria and respiratory infections overwhelm clinics, and when the city demands more than what resources allow,” she said. “Your commitment keeps Kampala alive and livable.”

In FY 2024/25, Kampala recorded 259,284 malaria cases and 277,206 cases of cough or cold, illnesses that consistently test the limits of health workers’ capacity.

“Yet, day in and day out, you rise to the challenge,” Zalwango added.

As the sun set, the celebration turned festive. Health workers danced, shared a meal and received Christmas hampers a moment of rest after a year spent keeping Kampala alive and thriving.

Buzeki closed the event with a final note of appreciation: “We are proud of what you have achieved, and we will continue to support you. Kampala’s health system is strong because of you, and together, we will achieve even more in the coming year.”

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer