Kamyokya mothers, children get lifesaving healthcare boost

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Residents of Kamwokya, a Kampala city suburb, have benefited from a donation by the Rotary Club of Kitante.

On December 6, 2025, the organisation donated a digital incubator and nebuliser, marking a turning moment for mothers and children.

The equipment arrived as a lifeline for Kamyokya’s residents, many of whom struggle to access basic healthcare. The incubator, designed to stabilise premature and low-birth-weight babies, addresses a dire need because, before the donation, families faced delays in transferring newborns to distant hospitals.

“Before Rotary’s intervention, we could only handle 15 deliveries monthly. Now, with this incubator, we’re equipped to care for up to 70 births a month, including 24-hour emergency services,” Dr Stella Namugerwa, the head of Kamyokya Christian Caring Community, said.

Chief Guest DG Geoffrey Martin Kitakule shakes hands with one of the doctors deployed for patient diagnosis, as Dr Stella Namugerwa stands nearby holding a microphone during a tour of the ongoing activities at Kamyokya Treasure Life Center (TLC) in the Kamyokya community. (Courtesy photo)

The nebuliser, which delivers inhaled medication for respiratory conditions like asthma, further bridges the gap in paediatric care.

Both devices are now operational at a newly upgraded facility, greatly reducing mortality risks for vulnerable infants and children. 

“Without these tools, conditions like prematurity or bronchitis could mean the difference between life and death,” Namugerwa said.

The donation was unveiled during a Rotary-organised medical camp, in partnership with Octopus Medical Solutions, that drew over 3,000 attendees. Services ranged from HIV testing and hepatitis B screening to dental check-ups and mental health assessments. 

Ulcer patient John Kaijabwango, 17, from Kyebando, said, “The doctors gave me proper guidance on managing my condition, and I’m feeling much better now.”

Samuel Tebatemwa of Octopus Medical Solutions said there is a need for sustainability: “These machines must be maintained and operated correctly to maximise their impact.” 

Rotary District Governor Geoffrey Kitakule agreed and said when Rotary unites with communities, 'we serve beyond ourselves'. 

The camp also integrated mental health support through a screening tool developed by Trade Patriot and Lucas Enterprise Limited, addressing both physical and psychological well-being.

Rotary Club of Kyadondo president Stella Arwako praised the partnership, saying, “This is the power of teamwork. We’re grateful to all who helped make Kamyokya’s healthcare future brighter.”

While the donation marks progress, challenges remain. Ongoing training for healthcare workers and maintenance of equipment will be vital to sustaining these gains. However, for Kamyokya’s mothers and children, the intervention is a hopeful shift.