Rotary Club of Masindi launches $94K health and water projects at Masindi hospital
The Rotary Club of Masindi has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing two major projects at Masindi General Hospital; a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative and a Maternal and Child Health project set to be officially handed over on February 5, 2026. The reaffirmation was made during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by Rotary leaders, hospital...
The Rotary Club of Masindi has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing two major projects at Masindi General Hospital; a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative and a Maternal and Child Health project set to be officially handed over on February 5, 2026.
The reaffirmation was made during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by Rotary leaders, hospital administrators, engineers, student representatives, and district officials. Among those present were the Club President, Brenda Mugisa; Project Coordinator Rotarian Ronald Baguma; Engineer James Nkooka, coordinator between the district and Rotary International; Engineer Joseph Sunday, project supervisor; Abraham Tumusiime, President of Masindi University and Tertiary Students Association (MUTSA); Simon Baguma, Hospital Administrator; and Dr. Musinguzi Rogers, Acting Executive Consultant of the hospital.
Addressing critical water challenges
Speaking at the meeting, Club President Brenda Mugisa revealed that Rotarians identified serious challenges at the hospital three years ago, particularly in water supply and maternal health services.
She explained that the hospital’s water system was originally designed to serve no more than 1,000 people. Today, however, the facility serves more than 7,000 patients and attendants, putting immense strain on the outdated system.
To address this, the club successfully applied for a USD 50,000 global grant from Rotary International to upgrade and expand the hospital’s water system. The improvements will ensure reliable water access across the facility.
In addition, the club was required to raise USD 8,000 locally as part of the grant conditions. Mugisa confirmed that fundraising efforts are ongoing, with contributions already received from partners including MUTSA (USD 60), individual Rotarians (USD 200), and the Masindi District Local Government (USD 500 pledged). The club is also engaging banks and other organizations to close the funding gap.
She called upon more individuals and institutions to support the life-saving initiative.
Solar-powered water and improved equipment
Engineer James Nkooka emphasized that Rotary operates under seven areas of focus, including water and sanitation, maternal and child health, disease prevention, environmental protection, economic empowerment, peacebuilding, and basic education.
He noted that two years ago, the Rotary Club of Masindi partnered with the Rotary Club of Bweyogerere and the Rotary Club of Namboole to strengthen maternal and child health services at the hospital. During assessments, the teams discovered severe water supply challenges, including leaking tanks and frequent disruptions in National Water services.
The WASH project, valued at USD 62,000, will boost the hospital’s water system by drilling underground water sources and installing a solar-powered pumping system to ensure 24-hour water availability—even during power outages.
The Maternal and Child Health project, worth USD 32,000, will provide modern medical equipment, additional beds, and training for health workers to ensure proper usage and maintenance. The aim is to create a safer, better-equipped environment for mothers and newborns.
Nkooka assured stakeholders that funds are expected within one to two months. Rotary has already engaged hydrologists and water experts to conduct technical groundwork before implementation begins.
A personal motivation
Rotarian Ronald Baguma, a Past President of the club and head of project coordination, shared an emotional personal story that underscores the urgency of the maternal health initiative. He recounted losing his mother at the hospital following a miscarriage due to complications related to delayed blood transfusion.
He emphasized that the Rotarians’ efforts are driven not by allowances or personal gain, but by a desire to prevent similar tragedies for other families.
“We don’t want to see mothers dying,” he said, stressing that improved equipment and systems will significantly reduce maternal risks and improve service delivery.
Hospital leadership welcomes initiative
Dr. Musinguzi Rogers commended Rotary for its generosity and commitment, noting that the projects will bridge critical service gaps and improve both the hospital’s image and healthcare outcomes. He added that the Chief Administrative Officer has scheduled a board meeting on February 17, 2026, to formally engage the Rotary team in planning and oversight discussions.
Hospital Administrator Simon Baguma also expressed gratitude, noting that the projects will benefit not only Masindi District but surrounding regions and even international visitors.
He pointed out that Masindi serves as a gateway to Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s largest and most visited national parks. As the nearest major referral facility, Masindi General Hospital plays a critical role in serving tourists and residents alike.
Call for community support
The Rotary Club of Masindi continues to mobilize local support to complement international funding. Contributions can be made through Centenary Bank or by contacting the club leadership at New Court View Hotel in Masindi.
With international backing, local partnerships, and strong hospital collaboration, the WASH and Maternal Child Health projects promise to significantly transform healthcare delivery at Masindi General Hospital and safeguard the lives of mothers and children for years to come.
