Tetugu Health Centre III in Dokolo district struggles with staffing shortage

14 September 2026, 7:31 pm

By Finellah Akullu Opio

Tetugu Health Center III in Agwata Town Council, Dokolo District, is operating with just 10 health workers out of the required 55 staff members, putting severe pressure on emergency care and routine medical services.

The facility’s staffing shortfall was highlighted during the official handover of two newly constructed Twin staff housing blocks, constructed by Parvard Consultant Ltd and Elengu Enterprise.

Jimmy Omee, the Incharge of Tetugu Health Center III, revealed that the 10 current staff members serve patients from Agwata Town Council and several surrounding subcounties.

He appealed to Dokolo District health authorities to petition the Ministry of Health for additional medical personnel to match the growing patient demand.

Agwata Town Council LC3 Chairperson, Tonny Obel Obala noted that beyond staffing, the facility faces unresolved land ownership disputes.

He urged local leaders and community stakeholders to put aside disagreements over the land’s original foundation body so the health center can secure formal land titles and expand further.

To protect the newly built infrastructure, Agwata Town Council Female District Councilor, Janet Abongo called on health administrators to plant trees as windbreaks around the new staff housing blocks.

Dokolo Resident District Commissioner, Barbara Akech commended the contractors, Parvad Consultant and Elengu Enterprise for the timely and quality delivery, and noted that the district will continue trusting them with more work.

She also issued a stern warning to health staff against extorting money from patients, threatening immediate arrest for anyone caught demanding bribes.

Esther Betty Ato, who spoke on behalf of the district Chair reaffirmed the district’s commitment to equitable development across all subcounties, praising the contractors for high-standard work and noting their eligibility for future public works tenders.

Speaking after the official handover of the multi-million shilling project, Emmanuel Ogwang of Parvard Consultant Ltd and Denis Enipu of Elengu Enterprise confirmed that construction is fully complete.

Ogwang emphasised that they used durable, high-grade materials to ensure the four staff housing blocks remain functional for decades.​

Highlighting their track record, Ogwang appealed to district authorities to consider their firms for future public works tenders.

He noted that as young, local contractors, they are driven by a commitment to deliver quality engineering and serve their communities with integrity.

The infrastructure project cost over 426 million Ugandan shillings (approximately $115,000 USD):Staff Housing (First Two Units): UGX 204 millionStaff Housing (Second Two Units): UGX 201 millionDrainable pit Latrines (Four Stances): UGX 21 million.