Japanese government extends a sh200m grant for health in Arua

The government of Japan has extended a grant of Shs 458m to Uganda to facilitate two projects in districts of Arua and Kanungu.

Part of the funding equivalent to $98810(about Shs 283 million) will go on the construction of a science laboratory at Bishop Comboni College Kambuga, while another 83,401(about Shs239 million) will facilitate the establishment of an infectious clinic at Adumi health center IV.

When signing the agreement yesterday in Kampala, the Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Junzo Fujita said that the Japanese government has since 1992 committed resources to support projects in the fields of education, health and other social services to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable community development.

“It is my wish that all projects will be implemented as planned and that we shall meet again in your respective project sites to celebrate the successful completion of the projects for the benefit of your communities,” Ambassador Fujita said and pledged to work with the beneficiaries for the coming years to ensure that the projects are successful.

Speaking at the grant signing ceremony, Dr. Pontious Apangu the Medical Superintendent of Adumi Health Centre IV said that the health Centre that serves over 30,000 patients with some coming in as far as South Sudan and Congo has been grappling with a problem of inadequate resources.

“We serve about 500 HIV positive patients in one room compromising on the quality of health care provided as these are only a few meters apart. With the Japanese grant support, there will be better space for consultation, privacy and chronic care,” Dr. Apangu said.

Meanwhile,Sister Margaret Magoba, the chairperson board of Governors at Bishop Comboni College said: “Our school did not have laboratories and equipment due to the big monies involved and was using normal classrooms for practical lessons. We are happy that the Japanese Embassy has come to our rescue and promise to put the money to good use.’’

Dr. Chrizestom Kayise, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kanungu said that the Japanese support will go a long way in improving science education and promised to support the implementation of the project. Once complete, the facilities will be maintained and sustained using local government funds, he added

The grants were provided under the Grass roots Human security Projects (GGP), a scheme administered by the Embassy of Japan to support community-based development projects and help African countries attain their Millennium Development Goals.

To qualify for the grant, organisations must be non-profit making with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in implementing development projects at grass roots level and a demonstrated capacity and experienced staff to implement development projects.

Story by Al Mahad Ssenkabirwa

Written by Reporter