Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II waving to his subjects
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has used his 2026 Easter message to strongly criticise the state of healthcare in Uganda, warning that persistent weaknesses in the system are putting lives at risk and undermining the wellbeing of citizens.
In a message delivered to mark Easter, the Kabaka expressed deep concern over inadequate health services across the country, particularly in public hospitals where demand continues to outstrip capacity. He noted that many facilities lack basic medical equipment, making it difficult for health workers to provide effective care.
“Many health centers lack essential equipment, while some machines remain unused for years without installation,” he wrote, pointing to inefficiencies that have left critical resources idle while patients continue to suffer.
The Kabaka highlighted that the challenges are even more pronounced in rural areas, where access to healthcare remains limited. He observed that ambulances are either too few, broken down, or entirely absent in many communities, making emergency response difficult and, in some cases, impossible. This, he warned, contributes to avoidable deaths, especially among vulnerable populations.
He further decried the persistent problem of unreliable electricity in health facilities, noting that frequent power outages disrupt essential services such as surgeries, laboratory work, and storage of life-saving medicines. In extreme cases, he said, these failures have led to preventable loss of life.
Beyond healthcare, the Kabaka used his message to call for a renewed sense of responsibility and service among leaders and public servants. He emphasized that government officials must prioritise the welfare of citizens, reminding them that public resources are derived from taxpayers and should be used efficiently and transparently.
“This day reminds us of God’s love and mercy towards His people,” he wrote, reflecting on the spiritual significance of Easter while urging both leaders and ordinary citizens to embody values of service, compassion, and accountability.
Turning to urban development, the Kabaka welcomed efforts to modernise cities but cautioned authorities against poor communication and delayed enforcement of regulations. He stressed that residents should be informed of urban planning guidelines in a timely manner to avoid unnecessary losses.
His remarks come in the wake of the controversial demolition of structures at St. Balikuddembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market. The demolition, which reportedly took place at night, left many traders counting losses and sparked public debate about the enforcement of building standards.
Although the Kampala Capital City Authority distanced itself from the initial demolition, a subsequent report by the Ministry of Works and Transport and State House indicated that the affected structures had been deemed unsafe and required controlled removal.
The Kabaka, however, stressed that such situations could be avoided through better planning and communication. He warned against allowing people to invest in construction projects only for them to be demolished later due to non-compliance with regulations.
Additionally, he underscored the importance of fairness and efficiency in public service delivery, arguing that equitable access to services would enable citizens to live dignified lives and foster national pride.
The Kabaka concluded his message by extending his wishes for a peaceful and blessed Easter to all his subjects, while urging collective effort in addressing the country’s challenges. His message, blending spiritual reflection with social critique, serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need to strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system and improve governance for the benefit of all citizens.
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