The Silent Struggle Behind Dokolo’s Healthcare System

What the report says

Dokolo Post reported that health leaders in Dokolo District, Uganda, are warning of a deepening shortage of nurses and midwives as rising patient numbers and heavy workloads put pressure on local services. The concerns were raised during International Nurses and Midwives Day commemorations held over the weekend at Angwecibange Primary School playground in Dokolo Town Council, under the theme, “Advocacy for More Health Workers: Because Life Deserves Care.”

Everline Tracy Ajuno, the acting chairperson of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union’s Dokolo branch, said nurses and midwives make up about 67% of Uganda’s health workforce but remain too few for demand. She cited an estimated workload in some facilities of one nurse for every 100 patients, saying staff are often pushed beyond standard eight-hour shifts, with effects on wellbeing, family life and productivity. Ajuno urged government to hire more workers, improve pay and conditions, and address hostility toward health personnel.

Other speakers echoed calls for recruitment and stronger support. Fiona Amongi of Lira Regional Referral Hospital linked adequate staffing to better maternal and infant health outcomes. Lango regional coordinator David Opio Apap criticized arrests of nurses after thefts at health facilities, saying security responsibility should also be examined, and called for regional registration centres to ease challenges with online registration.

The event drew nurses, midwives, students and health professionals from Dokolo, Lira City, Lira District, Alebtong and Kaberamaido. Dokolo District Speaker Boniface Alilo, the chief guest, urged health workers to avoid extorting patients and uphold professional care, while also asking communities to respect and protect the personnel who deliver essential health services.