The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Zebilla, James Ayamwego, has expressed concern over an unused mortuary facility at the Zebilla District Hospital, describing it as a “white elephant” more than a decade after its construction.
Speaking during an interaction with the Minister for Health, the DCE said the facility, completed more than 10 years ago, has never been operational because it lacks basic equipment, particularly refrigeration units.
According to him, the situation has become a major challenge for residents across the Kusaug area, as the Zebilla District Hospital serves as a referral center for several districts in the enclave.
“Zebilla District Hospital is serving as a referral centre currently for the entire Kusaug belt, about six districts. That is where most cases are brought,” he said, adding that ongoing conflict in parts of the area has further increased pressure on the hospital.
Mr. Ayamwego noted that the hospital faces serious constraints in space, equipment and personnel, which he said are affecting service delivery. He cited maternal health concerns as an example, revealing that the district recorded about five maternal deaths within a single month last year.
“That is very worrying,” he said, emphasizing the need for urgent support to strengthen health care services in the area.
He also highlighted the heavy workload on health workers, explaining that staff often work long hours due to limited personnel at the facility.
The DCE further stressed that the lack of a functioning mortuary in the enclave — from Zebilla through Tempane to Garu — continues to create difficulties for families and health authorities in handling the deceased.
“Zebilla has a mortuary that has been built and completed, but there is no single fridge. It has not been put to use. Ten-plus years after it was constructed, it has become a white elephant,” he lamented.
Mr. Ayamwego appealed to the Minister for Health to intervene and ensure the facility is equipped and made operational, noting that residents had been assured during the election campaign that the mortuary would be activated to serve the area.
He said once operational, the mortuary would not only benefit the people of Zebilla but also serve surrounding districts that currently lack such a facility.
“I believe if we have a mortuary there, it will serve the entire belt, all the districts around there that do not have one,” he added, urging the minister to treat the matter as urgent.
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