Kajo Keji Leaders Call for MSF Return/Handout Photo/Access Radio 88.8 FM
(KAJO KEJI COUNTY) – The commissioner of Kajo Keji County has urged Médecins Sans Frontières to reopen the Meruwa Primary Health Care Centre after it was closed following a recent Uganda Peoples Defence Forces incursion.
Commissioner Wani Jackson Mule made the appeal during a meeting with MSF staff and the County Health Department. He said communities in Nyainga Muda and surrounding villages have gone weeks without accessible healthcare:
“Our people are in urgent need of medical support, especially children, pregnant mothers and the elderly,” he said. “We call upon MSF to resume its lifesaving services at Meruwa. The County administration is ready to provide all necessary support to ensure safe and uninterrupted operations.”
He said the UPDF incursion created fear among humanitarian workers, which led to the suspension. He added that “stability has now returned” and the demand for basic medical services is increasing each day.
County Health Director Gonda George Elia said preventable sicknesses have grown since the shutdown. He explained that nearby facilities are now struggling to cope:
“The closure has pushed many patients to walk long distances. The centres that are still open are overstretched.”
An MSF representative confirmed that the organisation is reviewing the situation.
“We are assessing the conditions to determine the safest way to resume services,” he said. “We understand the needs of the community, and we will continue working with County authorities to rebuild confidence and restore essential care as soon as possible.”
The meeting closed with a joint plan to continue assessments, coordinate security reviews and update the community on progress.
Kajo Keji Leaders Call for MSF Return
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Meruwa Primary Health Care Centre, Kajo Keji County |
| Cause of Closure | UPDF incursion prompted withdrawal of humanitarian staff |
| Main Concerns Raised | Lack of accessible care, rising preventable illnesses, pressure on nearby facilities |
| Key Quotes | “Our people are in urgent need of medical support.” – Commissioner Wani Jackson Mule |
| MSF Position | Assessing security and operational conditions before reopening |
| Community Impact | Thousands left without nearby health services |
| Administrative Commitment | County ready to support safe return of MSF |
Meruwa Primary Health Care Centre previously served thousands of people and its closure has shown how fragile health services are in areas affected by insecurity. County officials say reopening the facility will help repair the gap in services and strengthen cooperation between humanitarian partners and local authorities.
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